Andrew Wing’s review published on Letterboxd:
In LONGLEGS, Osgood Perkins crafts a chillingly atmospheric horror that burrows under your skin and lingers long after the credits roll. The film, led by Maika Monroe as the tenacious FBI Agent Lee Harker and Nicolas Cage in a terrifying turn as the elusive serial killer Longlegs, balances a classic cat-and-mouse thriller with a deep dive into occult horrors. This movie holds on to you, and you hold on to it. It just works.
Monroe delivers a standout performance, infusing Agent Harker with a mix of steely determination and vulnerability. Her quest to unravel the mystery behind the cryptic and brutal murders tied to Longlegs is both gripping and haunting. Cage, known for his eclectic roles, is mesmerizing here—his portrayal of Dale Cobble, aka Longlegs, is unsettling and enigmatic, capturing the viewer’s imagination and fear in equal measure.
The supporting cast, including Blair Underwood as Agent Carter and Alicia Witt as Ruth Harker, adds layers of depth to the narrative, grounding the supernatural elements with personal stakes and emotional resonance. Underwood’s seasoned presence and Witt’s nuanced performance as Lee’s mother create a dynamic interplay that enriches the film’s texture.
Perkins’ direction is meticulous, leveraging slow-burn tension and atmospheric dread to build a sense of inexorable doom. The film’s visual aesthetic, marked by Andrés Arochi’s moody cinematography, and the eerie score by Elvis Perkins, aka Zilgi, collectively immerse the audience in a world where the line between the real and the supernatural blurs.
It’s impossible to discuss Osgood Perkins without acknowledging his cinematic lineage. As the son of Anthony Perkins, the iconic star of PSYCHO, Osgood channels his father’s legacy into a contemporary horror landscape. He deftly blends homage with innovation, creating a film that honors the past while pushing the genre forward.
LONGLEGS isn’t just a horror film; it’s an exploration of fear, faith, and the darkness lurking within the human soul. It’s a testament to Perkins’ prowess in crafting horror that is both intellectually engaging and viscerally terrifying. For fans of the genre, LONGLEGS is a must-see—an exemplar of modern horror that pays homage to its roots while forging new, uncharted paths.
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