From the moment the credits roll, LONGLEGS burrows deep under your skin, establishing itself not just as a creepy new entry in the genre, but a strong contender for one of the best horror films of the year. Director Osgood Perkins crafts a nightmare that feels both unsettlingly familiar and terrifyingly fresh. It explicitly draws from the chilling crime procedural legacy of films like The Silence of the Lambs, blending it seamlessly with the darkest corners of occult horror and solidifying Perkins' reputation as a master of modern "art horror."
The film introduces us to FBI agent Lee Harker, who possesses a unique gift that leads her down a terrifying path as she hunts for an elusive serial killer known only as Longlegs.
Perkins, the visionary behind atmospheric and unsettling films like The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015), I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016), and Gretel & Hansel (2020), brings his signature slow-burn dread and psychological intensity to Longlegs. The film creates a tense, suffocating atmosphere, amplified by its carefully chosen color tone. The slow pacing is deliberate, expertly building tension and dread towards the film's shocking twist ending. And at the heart of it all is Longlegs himself, a truly terrifying presence that lingers long after the credits roll. It's in moments tied to this villain that the film unleashes lines that burrow deep into your psyche, such as the chilling refrain: "Daddy! Mommy! Un-make me, and save me from the hell of living!"
One of the most remarkable aspects? Its titular villain, portrayed by an actor who delivers a performance so utterly transformative, you might forget it was Nicolas Cage on screen when you first bear witness to his chilling presence. Cage, known for his wildly expressive roles, takes a disturbingly subdued and yet profoundly impactful approach here, truly embodying the insidious evil of Longlegs.
But the stellar performances don't stop with Cage. Maika Monroe, a formidable presence and a rising "scream queen" in her own right, commands the screen as FBI Agent Lee Harker. Fans of modern horror will recognize Monroe from her standout roles in genre favorites like It Follows (2014), The Guest (2014), and Watcher (2022). Here, she delivers a compelling, grounded performance, perfectly conveying the investigator's growing dread and obsession. Blair Underwood as Agent Carter and Alicia Witt as Ruth Harker also deliver excellent, nuanced performances, grounding the film's more surreal elements in human vulnerability and fear. The entire cast truly elevates the material.
Final Verdict & Recommendation:
Longlegs is not just a film to be watched; it's an experience to be endured. It promises to get under your skin and stay there, delivering a brand of visceral, psychological horror that's rare and deeply effective. If you appreciate meticulously crafted tension, unsettling atmosphere, and a villain that truly embodies pure dread, then you definitely need to see Longlegs. It's a standout achievement and a must-see for horror fans looking for something genuinely terrifying this year.
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