Neon’s latest release, “Longlegs,” has taken the film industry by storm, shattering box office records for an indie distributor. Directed by Osgood Perkins and featuring the talents of scream queen Maika Monroe alongside Nicolas Cage in a much-discussed extended cameo, the film has emerged as a surprising success amidst a year filled with underperforming studio horror films.
In its opening weekend, “Longlegs” grossed an impressive $22 million domestically. This figure is more than four times the previous opening weekend record for Neon, which stood at $5 million with the release of “Immaculate” earlier this year. The film also garnered significant earnings from international markets, contributing to a remarkable global debut.
Set in the 1990s, “Longlegs” follows a rookie FBI agent, played by Monroe, who is on a mission to identify and apprehend a serial killer known only as Longlegs, portrayed by Cage. The film artfully blends procedural elements with occult horror, drawing comparisons to iconic films such as Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs” and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Cure.”
Despite Neon’s history of releasing critically acclaimed titles, the studio has often struggled to break through a certain box office ceiling. Recent films like “Ferrari” and “Immaculate” concluded their runs with less than $20 million domestically. In contrast, “Longlegs” is poised to surpass that figure within days, potentially eclipsing the lifetime domestic gross of previous hits like “I, Tonya,” which earned around $30 million.
Interestingly, Neon’s highest-grossing domestic release to date is the foreign-language film “Parasite,” directed by Bong Joon-ho, which grossed over $50 million domestically. However, “Longlegs” is now on track to deliver the best opening weekend for an original horror film this year. It is expected to soon surpass the lifetime domestic hauls of other recent horror titles, including “Abigail” ($25 million), “Imaginary” ($28 million), “Night Swim” ($32 million), and “The Strangers: Chapter 1” ($35 million).
Critical reception for “Longlegs” has been overwhelmingly positive, with the film currently holding an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have praised its unsettling atmosphere, with Collider’s Ross Bonaime describing it as “an uncomfortable, jarring experience that is unsettling from beginning to end.” However, audience reactions have been more subdued, as evidenced by a C+ CinemaScore and a 64% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In addition to Monroe and Cage, the film features performances from Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt, further enhancing its appeal. As “Longlegs” continues to play in theaters, it is clear that this indie horror film has made a significant impact on the box office landscape, filling a void left by larger studios.
The success of “Longlegs” highlights a growing appetite for small-budget, director-driven genre films in a market that has seen a shift towards larger productions. As A24, a close competitor, has moved into bigger leagues this year, “Longlegs” has stepped in to capture the interest of horror enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
With its unique blend of horror and procedural storytelling, “Longlegs” stands out as a noteworthy entry in the indie horror genre. The film’s ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike speaks to the talent behind its creation and the compelling narrative it presents.
As the film continues to gain traction, it will be interesting to see how it performs in the coming weeks. The horror genre has always had a dedicated fan base, and “Longlegs” seems poised to capitalize on that enthusiasm. With its strong opening weekend and positive critical reception, the film is set to become a defining title for Neon and a benchmark for future indie horror releases.
In conclusion, “Longlegs” has not only broken box office records for Neon but has also redefined the landscape for indie horror films. Its success serves as a reminder of the potential for smaller productions to thrive in a competitive market, especially when they offer fresh and engaging narratives. As audiences flock to theaters to experience this unsettling thriller, “Longlegs” is sure to leave a lasting impression on the genre.
Source: Collider
