LONGLEGS – “An unsettling symphony of tension and suspense”

longlegs

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Osgood Perkins (Gretel & Hansel – 2020)

MAIN CAST

Maika Monroe as Lee Harker
Lauren Acala as young Lee Harker
Nicolas Cage as Longlegs
Blair Underwood as Agent Carter
Alicia Witt as Ruth Harker
Michelle Choi-Lee as Agent Browning
Dakota Daulby as Agent Horatio Fisk
Kiernan Shipka as Carrie Anne Camera

SYNOPSIS

In the 1990s, new FBI agent Lee Harker was assigned to an unsolved case involving the Satanic serial killer known as Longlegs. As the investigation becomes more complicated with occult evidence uncovered, Harker realizes a personal link to the killer and must act quickly to prevent another family murder.

REVIEW SUMMARY

An unsettling symphony of tension and suspense, Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs is guaranteed to cause many sleepless nights. And that’s because the film is all manner of creepy and terrifying, with disconcerting visuals that will surely be burned into your brain. In short, it’s one heck of a scary ride. The story plays out like a across between Silence of the Lambs, True Detective and a horror-heavy episode of The X-Files. And while things slightly fall apart by the end, the script is mostly taut with exceptional intrigue. And while it’s heavily tinged in the “supernatural,” there’s an unnerving authenticity that keeps it grounded. Helping things get under our skin, of course, is the way our director displays the nightmares onscreen. Perkins’ unique camera shots and sharp editing techniques elevate the horrors tenfold, not relying on cheap jump scares. It’s all a masterclass in minimalist creepiness. Speaking of creepy, there may not be a character in the history of cinema more creepy than Nikolas Cage as the titular Longlegs. It’s one part Tiny Tim, one part Joker, ten parts insanity. Also on the acting front, a lot of the heavy lifting is done by a remarkable Maika Monroe, while Blair Underwood gives what could be a career best performance. There are also some great turns by Alicia Witt and Kiernan Shipka here as well. Yep, everyone hits their mark, and the results are A-grade horrifying gold.

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