“Oh, there she is! The almost birthday girl!”

This line of dialogue is featured in a genuinely unnerving sequence in a film that contains a plethora of them. 

Crime scene photos of butchered bodies. A distressing 911 call. A series of slayings all connected to birthdays. The latest film from Osgood Perkins, “Longlegs,” is unforgiving in its combination of dread and disturbing imagery that lasts for the entirety of the film’s duration.  

The film focuses on FBI agent Lee Harker (played by Maika Monroe), who is investigating a series of family murders committed by a serial killer only known as Longlegs (played by Nicolas Cage), with this investigation leading to disturbing discoveries.

Maika Monroe delivers a stellar leading performance as Harker. In her portrayal of this FBI agent, Monroe provides a reserved and, at times, terrified performance as this figure who is seemingly able to connect patterns between the killings. Along with this, Harker has a strained relationship with her mother, Ruth (played by Alicia Witt, in an excellent performance).

Photo of Maika Monroe driving during a “Longlegs” movie scene. (Contributed/Neon)

It’s hard to describe Nicolas Cage’s performance. His mannerisms and voice are just downright eerie, and he is unrecognizable as the titular figure. While his on-screen appearance isn’t as long as compared to the other actors, his presence is still constantly felt throughout the film. A truly horrifying performance.

In an incredible supporting performance, Kiernan Shipka delivers as Carrie Anne Camera. With her second collaboration with Perkins, after “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” (2015), Shipka embodies this sole survivor of the murder of her family, who is numb and almost catatonic from her trauma in a monologue that is one of the highlights of the film. 

An interesting aspect of “Longlegs” is how much the glam rock band T. Rex is featured throughout the film. Whether it be their track “Jewel” (from their 1970 self-titled album) being featured in the opening credits (with it being one of the best needle drops of the year), lyrics from their biggest hit “Bang a Gong (Get it On)” being displayed at the very beginning of the film, or even a poster of Marc Bolan, the band’s frontman and guitarist (with this image being featured as the cover of their 1972 album, “The Slider”) displayed in Longlegs’ bedroom, music seemingly plays an interesting role here (especially in capturing a certain period). 

Photo of a broken doll from a “Longlegs” movie poster. (Contributed/posterspy.com)

Osgood Perkins, the film’s writer and director, crafts a unique horror film that combines elements of the procedural with psychological and supernatural elements. This includes certain aspects of his dialogue, delivering chills to the viewer and a distinct take on the horror genre with great performances and unique stylistic choices.

There is something downright haunting and ominous about several shots captured by the film’s cinematographer, Andrés Arochi. This includes shots such as a wide shot of an isolated farmhouse in the film’s opening sequence, with the snow being the only element that encompasses it. There is also a close-up shot in the same sequence, consisting of the lower half of Longlegs’ face with a seemingly manic expression and voice as he speaks to a young girl. 

“Longlegs” takes the viewer down a rabbit hole of pure eerieness and doesn’t let go. It is a work that truly revels in its dread and is one of the finest horror films of the decade so far.  

Someone wore their long legs today.

“Longlegs” is available for preorder on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.

Author