Hassan Ilahi’s review published on Letterboxd:
Full Review: huilahimovie.reviews/2024/07/30/longlegs-2024-a-spectacular-serial-killer-thriller/
Osgood Perkins' "Longlegs" is an intense, gripping and nerve-wracking psychological thriller capturing an impact of serial killers that commit murders. Osgood Perkins is a newcomer to the horror movie genre. It's the filmmaker's attempt to create a horror film about serial killers, but he succeeds. Through stunning cinematography, Perkins captures a female detective on a journey to resolve a perplexing murder mystery. Evoking Jonathan Demme's "The Silence of the Lambs", Perkins expertly uses tracking shots capturing detectives investigating murders in silence. Like Clarice Starling's investigation into murders of Buffalo Bill, Lee investigates murders committed by Longlegs. It brought back frightening memories of my housemaid's murder that wasn't ever inspected by police authorities.
From a technical perspective, you won't see a serial killer movie which is as impressive. Drawing inspiration from David Fincher's "Se7en", Perkins expertly uses cross-cutting capturing impact of murders which prove to be shocking. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the scene where Lee is a witness of a shocking murder about which she can't do anything. Like Detective Mills' reaction of shock to the contents of a box, Lee is terrified by a serial killers' murder. It reminded me of my shocked reaction to the murder of a beloved housekeeper that was never investigated. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Evoking Denis Villeneuve's "Prisoners", it captures serial killers committing murder. Through strong production, Perkins builds tension.
Another commendable aspect of "Longlegs" is the screenplay. Perkins' screenwriting strength is capturing the negative impact of murders of serial killers through flashbacks. In Hollywood, most horror films rarely address the impact of murders committed by serial killers. Fortunately, though, Perks avoids pitfalls of the genre. Inspired with David Fincher's "Zodiac", the filmmaker utilizes flashbacks to capture effects of murder committed by serial killers. It reminded me of my grief being unable to move on following loss of a beloved housekeeper whose brief presence in life was a source of relief.
One appreciates astonishing cast performances.
Maika Monroe delivers one of her greatest career performances as Lee. It isn't easy to embody the personality of a detective embarking on journey to solve murder mysteries, but she succeeds. Emulating Rooney Mara in David Fincher's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", Monroe embodies the struggle of a detective going through great lengths to resolve a murder of a girl with a dragon tattoo. With captivating expressions, she conveys angst, frustration and despair of a detective seeking to resolve a murder mystery.
Nicholas Cage is captivating in the role of a despicable serial killer which takes advantage of girls in murders causing outrage. This is the actor in a way you have not seen him: intense, menacing and unrecognizable in an extraordinary role. Cage steals every scene he's in as a serial killer which sends shivers down your spine. One of the best performances the actor has ever given in an illustrious career.
Despite its strong performances, however, "Longlegs" can't quite live up to the high standard of the greatest movies about serial killers. If there's a minor drawback to the movie, it suffers from an ambiguous ending. It's an abrupt conclusion which lacks satisfying resolution. Whereas this end did elevate David Fincher's "Zodiac", it clashes with this movie. Movies about serial killers thrive based on powerful endings, and in this regard the film falters.
Nevertheless, fans of serial killer movies will definitely enjoy "Longlegs" and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A powerful portrait of the negative impact of murders organized by serial killers, it's a poignant reminder of the painful consequences caused by murders of serial killers that can inspire individuals haunted by traumatic memories of violence to recover years after facing disasters.
