Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs (2024) is the modern-day crime thriller we’ve been craving. Packed with wicked twists, unnerving visuals, and zany performances, Longlegs delivers a sinister murder mystery that hooks you from the first twisted encounter with the man himself to the final blood-curdling frame. A mesmerizing blend of mystery and horror, this sadistic chiller is the answer we’ve long awaited to Zodiac (2007), Se7en (1995), and Silence of the Lambs (1991).
“Longlegs keeps audiences on high alert with well-paced plot beats and an unraveling mystery that defies rational explanation.”
In Longlegs, we follow Lee Harper (Maika Monroe), an FBI agent with an intuitive knack for finding killers. These psychic abilities land her on the cold case of Longlegs, a sinister figure behind a series of brutal murder-suicides targeting families. The victims share one eerie connection: each had a daughter born on the 14th of the month, and the murders occur within six days before or after their birthdays. Cryptic letters signed by Longlegs, filled with satanic symbols, are the only clues left behind.
Since Longlegs (Nicolas Cage) doesn’t physically commit the murders himself, Harker must unravel the mystery of who—or what—is executing his malevolent plans. Her investigation seeks to uncover if there’s an accomplice or something even more sinister at play. Is Longlegs a Manson-like cult leader with supernatural abilities, orchestrating a twisted game from the shadows? As Harker delves deeper, she realizes the true nature of the evil she’s up against is more horrifying than she ever imagined.
Visually, Longlegs meets the high standard Perkins has established through his previous films, particularly Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015), an almost spiritual predecessor to this film. The cold, drab 90s setting, complete with wood paneling and washed-out colors, provides the perfect apathetic backdrop for the puppetmaster to make his stage.
It’s creepy as heck, too. Cinematographer Andres Arochi’s clever cuts and framing are used to great effect in creating scares and teasing the Longlegs character to maximum effect. The inclusion of news clippings, crime scene photos, and other multimedia elements adds another piece to the puzzle. Additionally, the dynamic visual shifts between the present and past, especially the aspect ratio changes to an 8mm-like format for flashbacks, heighten the atmosphere. This meticulous attention to visual detail makes the storytelling both immersive and deeply impactful.
Maika Monroe nails the role of Lee Harker. Though she’s often typecast as the quiet, stoic character, it works (yet again) here; Monroe brings conviction to Harker’s odd antisocial and aloof nature. She’s the perfect counterbalance to Nicolas Cage, who delivers a deranged, sing-song performance as Longlegs. Cage continues to bat 1000, serving up a terrifying, exuberant presence that makes his performance a true highlight of the film. Even when mostly obscured by the ingenious framing.
“It’s creepy as heck…”
Whatever you do, don’t get comfortable. The narrative itself is jarring and filled with surprising twists from start to finish. Longlegs keeps audiences on high alert with well-paced plot beats and an unraveling mystery that defies rational explanation. Despite leaving a few questions unanswered, the film’s ability to tie up its bizarre and inexplicable circumstances is a pleasant surprise.
Overall, Osgood Perkins has crafted his strongest film yet with Longlegs. It’s a chilling, malevolent thriller that hits all the right notes for fans of the genre. With stellar performances, a richly atmospheric visual style, and a wacky plot that keeps you guessing, Longlegs elevates itself beyond the standard murder mystery, blending in supernatural elements that make it a standout horror experience.
Longlegs is in theatres now. Share your thoughts on the film in the *Spoiler Channel* of the Nightmare on Film Street Discord Community!
