Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 07-12-2024
Watched 07-13-2024
Reviewed 07-15-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"Are you still saying your prayers? Our prayers protect us from the devil."
Longlegs is a 2024 American horror thriller film written and directed by Osgood Perkins. The film stars Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, who also produced the film through his Saturn Films production company. The supporting cast features Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Michelle Choi-Lee, and Dakota Daulby. This chilling tale follows an FBI agent tasked with tracking down an occultist serial killer, only to discover a personal connection to him.
Set in 1970s Oregon, the movie opens with a young girl encountering a mysterious man with a pale face. Fast forward to the 1990s, newly-recruited FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is assigned to a case involving a series of brutal murder-suicides. These murders form a sinister pattern involving families with 9-year-old daughters born on the 14th of the month. As Lee delves deeper, she discovers her own connection to the enigmatic killer known as Longlegs (Nicolas Cage).
The film’s strength lies in its atmosphere and Nicolas Cage’s performance. Cage brings a menacing presence to Longlegs, making every scene he’s in unsettling. Maika Monroe also delivers a solid performance as Lee Harker, convincingly portraying the character’s growing horror and determination. The supporting cast, including Blair Underwood as Agent Carter and Alicia Witt as Lee’s mother Ruth, provides strong performances that add depth to the story.
However, the film struggles with pacing issues, especially in the middle sections. The plot, while intriguing, can feel overly complex and ambitious at times. The movie’s attempt to blend supernatural elements with a serial killer narrative results in a somewhat convoluted storyline that might lose some viewers.
Longlegs shines in its visual and auditory elements. The cinematography captures the eerie ambiance of the 1970s and 1990s settings, while the sound design effectively builds tension. The marketing campaign by Neon, with its cryptic teasers and in-universe website, adds an extra layer of mystery and engagement for viewers.
In conclusion, Longlegs is a mixed bag. It has moments of genuine horror and strong performances, particularly from Cage and Monroe. However, its pacing issues and ambitious storytelling can detract from the overall experience. It’s a film that may be best enjoyed during the Halloween season, providing a creepy and atmospheric watch. Pair it with a pumpkin spice latte for the full effect.
Comments