The hunt for a genuinely terrifying horror movie often feels like a thankless task, sifting through a wasteland of uninspired attempts. Last year, “Talk to Me” delivered some satisfying jump scares, and more recently, Sydney Sweeney impressed in “Immaculate.” However, there have been disappointments, such as the lackluster Russell Crowe exorcism films and the failed reboot of “The Exorcist.”
So, when the trailer for “Longlegs” dropped, expectations soared. The trailer, filled with rapid-cut demonic imagery and a cacophony of unsettling sounds, promised a film that would leave audiences terrified. The five-star ratings from horror genre critics only added to the anticipation.
The film begins with a 1970s prologue featuring a little girl approached by a babbling stranger (whose face is concealed but is later revealed to be Nicolas Cage). The opening credits, set to T-Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get it On),” transition us to the 1990s, setting the stage for the story.
We meet rookie FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), assigned to the cold case of Longlegs, a serial killer who seemingly makes families butcher themselves without entering their homes. The only clue left at each crime scene is a letter written in an occult alphabet, signed “Longlegs.” Harker, described as “half-psychic,” can read the killer’s script with ease, and she quickly deciphers Longlegs’ “algorithm.”
Despite the promising setup, the film’s scares fall short. The terrifying sounds from the trailer are replaced by typical spooky drones, and jump scares are scarce. While there are maggot-infested corpses and some disturbing imagery, the film lacks the encroaching dread that makes for a truly frightening experience.
Director Oz Perkins, son of “Psycho” actor Anthony Perkins, includes some unsettling visuals, but they often feel disconnected from the plot. The film’s narrative, involving mothers and creepy dolls, eventually leads to the reveal of Longlegs. Nicolas Cage, dressed like a disheveled glam rock star, delivers a performance that is more pitiful than terrifying.
For hardcore horror fans, “Longlegs” might offer some thrills, but for the average viewer, the search for genuine scares continues. The film, running at 101 minutes and rated 15, hits cinemas on July 12.
In contrast, Osgood Perkins’ “Longlegs” stands out as a genuinely terrifying horror film. Produced by indie studio Neon, the film does what many mainstream horror films fail to do: it scares the crap out of you.
“Longlegs” follows young FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she hunts down the terrifying serial killer known as “The Longlegs Killer” (Nicolas Cage). Her investigation leads her to unsettling truths tied to the occult. The film’s slow-building tension, expert direction, and chilling atmosphere make it one of the most disturbing films in recent years.
Nicolas Cage delivers an unhinged performance as the Longlegs Killer, creating one of the creepiest on-screen serial killers. His mannerisms, voice, and nightmarish appearance are purely unnerving. Maika Monroe, as Agent Lee Harker, gives a standout performance, portraying a tortured yet determined individual. Alicia Witt, playing Harker’s mother, also delivers an incredible performance.
The film’s cinematography by Andres Arochi and the score by composer Zilgi contribute to the foreboding atmosphere. Arochi’s use of dull, morose hues and voyeuristic camera work amplifies the sense of danger, while Zilgi’s dark melodies create a constant state of impending doom.
However, the film is not without its flaws. While Perkins excels as a director, his writing leaves some questions unanswered. The motivations and rationale behind the Longlegs Killer’s actions remain unclear, and the film’s logistics can be confusing. Despite these issues, the film’s ability to leave viewers unnerved and disarmed makes it a success.
“Longlegs” may not be perfect, but it is a profoundly unsettling and deeply creepy film that will linger in your mind for days. It is undoubtedly the most disturbing horror film of the year.
Overall Score: B+
Source: Various
