*SPOILERS*

Well, shit, here we go just got around to watching this for the first time, and it has been about three hours since the end credit, and I am still in awe sitting here in a restaurant on my phone, but here we go, let us dive into this review as by all means this film needs one.

So, Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins, surprised me with its intensity, drawing me into a deeply unsettling horror thriller that lingers long after the credits roll. With atmospheric tension, gripping performances, and an unnerving narrative, this film is a standout that pulled me into the darkness and didn't let go.

Plot and Structure
The film follows FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she dives into the twisted world of a series of ritualistic murders committed by a mysterious killer known as Longlegs, played by Nicolas Cage. Right from the opening scene—a little girl in a snow-covered house being approached by a strange man—the film sets a tone of dread that never lets up. The story unfolds through a mix of present-day investigation and haunting flashbacks, revealing just enough about Longlegs' past to keep me guessing. It's like every time I thought I had him figured out; another twist pulled me deeper into his disturbing psyche.

Performances and Characterization
Nicolas Cage is as mesmerizing as Longlegs. He's nearly unrecognizable, transformed physically and mentally into a character who exudes pure menace. Watching Cage bring this cryptic killer to life was both thrilling and terrifying, especially in the scenes where he confronts Harker. Maika Monroe's portrayal of Agent Harker grounds the film, and I found myself fully invested in her journey. She starts off strong and composed but slowly unravels as she digs deeper, showing a vulnerability that adds so much depth to her character.

Direction and Cinematography
Perkins' direction is all about mood and tension, using every inch of the frame to amplify the fear. The cinematography by Andrés Arochi is stunning, with its muted tones and strategic use of light and shadow creating a world that feels both vast and suffocating. The eerie, decaying settings, especially Longlegs' hideouts, were so effective in making me feel the weight of the characters' struggles. Perkins' ability to hold a shot just a little longer than comfortable made even the quiet moments pulse with tension.

Sound Design and Score
The sound design is one of the film's secret weapons, building dread in all the right places. It's not just the jump scares but the way silence hangs heavy, punctuated by unsettling noises that make your skin crawl. Elvis Perkins' score fits perfectly—it's haunting and understated, adding an extra layer of unease without ever overwhelming the scenes. One moment that stuck with me was when Harker discovers the killer's shrine, with the music creeping in, turning the scene into a nightmarish revelation.

Themes and Symbolism
Longlegs digs deep into themes of obsession, trauma, and the supernatural, exploring how our pasts shape us in ways we can't always control. The film's use of occult imagery and ritualistic symbols adds a chilling depth to the story, making the horror feel both intimate and universal. It's a reminder that the scariest monsters are often those hiding in plain sight, driven by forces we don't fully understand.

Final Thoughts
So yeah, Longlegs is more than just a horror-thriller—it's an experience that gets under your skin. The standout performances, especially from Cage and Monroe, combined with Perkins' masterful direction and Arochi's unsettling visuals, make it a film that's hard to shake off. For fans of psychological horror, this one's a must-watch, confirming Perkins as a modern master of the genre.