Longlegs

2024
Directors: Osgood Perkins
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Maika Monroe, Blair Underwood, 

Good horror movies are a rare breed. Too often, mainstream releases lean on tired tropes—predictable jump scares, overused demonic possessions, or uninspired CGI frights. But every so often, an indie horror film comes along that doesn’t just scare you—it seeps into your bones and lingers. Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins, is one of those films.

From the moment it begins, Longlegs grips you with an atmosphere thick with dread. The film follows FBI agent Lee Harker (played by Maika Monroe) as she dives into a case involving a mysterious and sadistic serial killer known only as “The Longlegs Killer” (Nicolas Cage). What initially appears to be a standard investigation soon unravels into something far more insidious as occult elements intertwine with the case, pulling Harker into a nightmarish rabbit hole.

Perkins has crafted a horror film that doesn’t rely on cheap thrills. There are no excessive jump scares or predictable horror beats. Instead, Longlegs thrives on an overwhelming sense of unease, building tension with meticulous precision. The cinematography by Andres Arochi makes every frame feel voyeuristic, almost as if the audience is trapped within the film, watching from the shadows. Every pan of the camera, every carefully placed shot, feels deliberate—designed to unnerve rather than just surprise.

The sound design and score by the relatively unknown Zilgi further elevate this creeping horror. The music doesn’t just complement the film—it suffocates, adding an eerie pulse that keeps the viewer on edge. Each note feels like a warning, a whisper of something waiting in the dark.

Cage’s performance as the titular killer is nothing short of terrifying. He doesn’t just act—he becomes an unsettling, almost otherworldly figure. His presence is hypnotic yet deeply disturbing, his every movement unnatural, his voice twisted into something inhuman. In many films, Cage’s signature over-the-top energy adds a layer of camp, but here, it’s stripped of any humor. Instead, he is a nightmare given form—something that crawls under your skin and refuses to leave.

While Cage will undoubtedly be the talking point for many, Monroe’s performance as Harker is just as crucial to the film’s success. She is a protagonist burdened by the weight of past trauma, and Monroe plays her with a quiet intensity that makes her feel real. Every flicker of emotion, every moment of hesitation, tells a story deeper than words. Alicia Witt, playing Harker’s mother, also delivers a chilling and memorable performance—one that’s best left unspoiled.

If Longlegs has one flaw, it’s in its storytelling. While Perkins excels in direction, the screenplay leaves certain details frustratingly ambiguous. There are elements—particularly regarding the killer’s motivations and the meaning behind the name “Longlegs”—that never quite get the clarity they deserve. Some mysteries can enhance horror, making it feel more unknowable and terrifying, but at times, the film leans a little too hard into its vagueness.

Yet, in some ways, that lack of explanation adds to the horror. This isn’t a film designed to wrap everything up neatly. It’s meant to disturb and to stick with you long after the credits roll. And on that front, Longlegs succeeds spectacularly.

Few horror films in recent years have unsettled me as much as Longlegs. It’s a slow-burning nightmare filled with a dread-soaked atmosphere and performances that burrow into your psyche. It’s not perfect, but it is unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a horror film that doesn’t just scare you in the moment but lingers in your mind for days, Longlegs is a must-watch. Just be warned—it’s the kind of film that makes you double-check your locks and question what might be lurking in the dark. It’s an hour and 45 minutes and rated R for bloody violence and disturbing images. The cast performances are incredible. For horror fans, I highly recommend this.

Isabella Jordan