Entertainment Blog #314 | Longlegs [2024] : Happy Death Day...
The serial killer movie category is expanding and changing faster in the last few years. Its success depends on the brutality, purpose, and backdrop of the story. For me, I like a serial killer movie taking place in the 80s with a code to be cracked. And "Longlegs" delivers all for me.
"Longlegs" is a #psychological #horror #movie Released by Neon on July 12, 2024. It was directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his talent for blending horror with psychological depth. The film stars Maika Monroe as the psychic FBI agent Lee Harker, with Nicolas Cage delivering a chilling performance as the artful serial killer, Longlegs. The supporting cast includes Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt, whose performances add layers to this unsettling tale. With Cage also serving as a producer through his Saturn Films, the movie blends star power with a strong creative vision.
"Longlegs" creates its mysteriousness from a terrifying premise that blends with the fears hidden within ordinary life. The film's plot, set in the 1990s, unfolds around FBI agent Lee Harker, who investigates a string of horrifying murder-suicides in Oregon and reveals the evil presence of a serial killer, Longlegs. This isn't your typical killer. Though Longlegs appears to operate beyond the realm of the physical, manipulating his victims through dark, occult forces. The film strikes into the universal fear of losing control over one's mind and actions, a fear that feels possible in a world where the lines between reality and the supernatural are blurred.
The story begins with a haunting story from the 1970s: a young girl, camera in hand, is chased by a mysterious voice to a man in pale makeup. It is a glance at the origins of the terror that will unfold. Fast forward to the 1990s, and we meet Lee Harker, an FBI agent with a rare gift of psychic abilities, assigned to investigate the mysterious case of Longlegs. The murders she examines are no ordinary homicides. Each one is marked by satanic symbols and a chilling pattern involving small girls born on the 14th of the month. As Lee delves deeper, she discovers a dark connection between the families, and their daughters, and a series of ritualistic killings that suggest a supernatural vessel at work.
As Lee uncovers more about Longlegs, the case becomes a personal nightmare for her. The killer's reach extends closer to home when she receives a threatening message that ties her own past to the ongoing murders. A the number of victims increases, the investigation turns into a desperate race against time. With Lee realizing that Longlegs's power might be tied to sinister objects, like dolls infused with malevolent energy. The film’s tension mounts as Lee pieces together the haunting truth, bringing her face-to-face with the very source of the evil she hunts.
What sets "Longlegs" apart from other horror films is its atmospheric tension and the way it blends psychological horror with supernatural elements. Unlike typical slasher films, it’s more about the slow burn, the upcoming dread that something is very wrong beneath the surface. Directing and the film’s chilling soundtrack enhance this mood, creating an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
"Longlegs" has been well-received critically, with an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the film for its haunting atmosphere and Cage’s freaky performance, though some felt it might be too ambitious, blending too many horror elements into one narrative. Despite this, the film has managed to stand out in a crowded genre, earning a Metacritic score of 77, indicating generally favorable reviews. Audience reactions have been more mixed, with a CinemaScore of "C+," suggesting that while the film’s artistic approach is appreciated, it may not cater to all tastes. It is common for horror movies.
With a modest budget of under $10 million, "Longlegs" has proven to be a commercial success, grossing $125+ million worldwide and becoming Neon’s highest-grossing film. This box office triumph is a testament to the film’s effective marketing and the draw of its unique narrative. "Longlegs" is a film that pushes the boundaries of horror, blending psychological thrills with supernatural terror in an unsettling and memorable way. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate horror that delves into the darkness of the human soul.