Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins, is a 2024 horror-thriller that masterfully intertwines supernatural elements with psychological depth. The film stars Nicolas Cage as the enigmatic serial killer known as “Longlegs” and Maika Monroe as FBI Agent Lee Harker, who becomes deeply entangled in the pursuit of this elusive murderer. With its atmospheric storytelling and chilling performances, Longlegs offers a fresh perspective on the serial killer genre.
Plot Summary
The narrative begins with a haunting flashback, presented through the lens of a home movie projector, depicting a young girl’s unsettling encounter in a remote setting. This prologue sets the tone for the film’s exploration of trauma and memory.
Fast forward to the 1990s, where newly minted FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is assigned her first major case. Demonstrating an uncanny intuition, Harker captures a serial killer, leading her superiors to subject her to psychological evaluations, suspecting she possesses unique abilities. This subplot hints at a deeper connection between Harker and the macabre world she is about to delve into.
Harker is soon recruited by Agent Carter (Blair Underwood) to investigate a series of familial murders, initially presumed to be tragic instances of domestic violence. However, the emergence of cryptic, Zodiac-like notes associated with specific dates suggests the involvement of an external orchestrator. The investigation points toward a figure known as “Longlegs,” a Satan-worshipping serial killer whose methods are as enigmatic as his motives.
As Harker delves deeper into the case, she confronts her own past traumas and the possibility of a personal connection to Longlegs. The film builds to a tense climax, intertwining themes of faith, evil, and the inescapable nature of one’s history.
Main Characters
- Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe): A novice FBI agent with a mysterious past, Harker’s intuitive skills and personal history make her both a formidable investigator and a vulnerable protagonist.
- Longlegs (Nicolas Cage): A chilling serial killer with satanic affiliations, Longlegs’ eerie demeanor and unpredictable nature make him a haunting antagonist.
- Agent Carter (Blair Underwood): A seasoned FBI agent who mentors Harker, providing guidance while grappling with the complexities of the case.
- Ruth Harker (Alicia Witt): Lee’s devoutly religious mother, whose insistence on prayer contrasts with the darkness surrounding the investigation.
Themes and Tone
Longlegs delves into themes of generational trauma, the duality of faith and evil, and the psychological scars left by past experiences. The film’s tone is deliberately unsettling, employing a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare. This approach challenges viewers to confront their own perceptions of morality and the unknown.
Visual Style and Direction
Osgood Perkins crafts a visually arresting film, utilizing low camera angles and tight framing to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The production design evokes a timeless quality, blending elements from different eras to disorient the audience and enhance the film’s surreal ambiance. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, with oppressive audio cues that heighten the sense of dread.
Performances
- Maika Monroe delivers a compelling performance as Agent Harker, balancing vulnerability with determination. Her portrayal captures the internal conflict of a character haunted by her past while facing palpable dangers.
- Nicolas Cage embodies the titular Longlegs with unsettling charisma. His performance oscillates between eerie calmness and explosive menace, making Longlegs a memorable and terrifying figure.
- Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt provide strong supporting roles, adding depth to the narrative and highlighting the personal stakes involved in the investigation.
Reception
Upon its release, Longlegs garnered attention for its unique approach to the horror-thriller genre. Critics praised the film’s atmospheric direction and the performances of the lead actors. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com noted that the film is “designed to rattle you, unsettle you, and make you think about it hours or even days later.” He highlighted Perkins’ deliberate craftsmanship and the film’s ability to function as a “cinematic nightmare” citeturn0search0.
The film also achieved commercial success, grossing $74.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $52.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $126.9 million. It marked the best opening weekend for distributor Neon and became the highest-grossing independent film of the year to date citeturn0search19.
Conclusion
Longlegs stands out as a haunting and thought-provoking addition to the horror genre. Osgood Perkins’ meticulous direction, combined with standout performances from Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe, creates a film that lingers in the mind long after viewing. By blending supernatural elements with psychological depth, Longlegs challenges audiences to confront the darkness within and the lingering shadows of the past.
