‘Longlegs’ Review: Stellar Serial Killer Horror Feat Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage

The world isn’t always a happy place, filled with imagination and only good news. Sometimes, innocent children and their families are murdered while predators like Nicolas Cage’s titular character prey on their vulnerability. Osgood Perkins’ latest mystery horror, Longlegs, delves into the depths of our nightmares, terrifying and shocking us from beginning to end. Prepare yourself for a chilling experience akin to The Silence of the Lambs that will linger in your memory, especially after seeing Maika Monroe as Detective Lee Harker and Cage as Longlegs in one of their most spectacular portrayals.

In the gloomy 90s, somewhere in the state of Oregon, detective Lee Harker, an incredibly bright and intuitive FBI agent, is assigned to one of the biggest criminal investigations spanning over decades, involving a mysterious killer known as Longlegs who terrorizes and murders families, leaving letters and hints behind. In pursuit of this elusive murderer and with the help of her skills and unique, psychic ability, Lee uncovers a series of occult clues that she and her partner, Detective Carter (Blair Underwood), must unravel to finally put an end to Longlegs’ killings.

Longlegs review

With one of the most phenomenal marketing campaigns of the year, Longlegs has been highly anticipated. Featuring Monroe as a fierce yet quiet agent and Cage in a horrifying role, Perkins’ film is thought-provoking and terrifying; not for jump scares (as there are none), but for its haunting storytelling, effective cinematography, and blood-curdling portrayal of evil. There’s a reason Longlegs gained so much love after its opening weekend. Perkins captures the 90s thriller/horror aesthetics perfectly, from costume design to soundtrack to direction, leaving a lasting impression.

When watching Longlegs, we can feel the ambiance that’s reminiscent of Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs, or David Fincher’s Se7en. Perkins and cinematographer Andres Arochi bestow upon us one of the best serial killer films of recent years, giving “90s babies” something that reminds us of our childhood while simultaneously terrifying us. In a strange, bizarre way, Longlegs is almost a comfort film.

While not the goriest, the film features some bloody scenes that will burn into your memory, especially one that will have you covering your mouth in fear of screaming. Monroe, known for It Follows and Significant Other, is the unstoppable force of this film. As one of the few women in her field, Lee is admired by many but maintains a quiet life, except for seldom and strange phone calls with her mother, Ruth, played phenomenally by Alicia Witt. While Cage’s evocative portrayal is petrifying, Witt’s striking and harrowing performance, particularly in the shocking finale, is to be cherished.

Drawing from the best serial killer thrillers of the 90s, the cinematography feels both familiar and refreshing. Perkins and Arochi often focus on the characters’ facial expressions, capturing crucial moments. With specific angles, they create an unsettling mystery around the titular character. The changes in camera action and framing are other components that are highly intriguing. Specifically, an impressive opening scene of Longlegs sets the tone, leaving us dreading what’s to come yet eager to find out and finally see the killer.

The creator plays with us, as we try to guess where the line between reality and paranormal is. While the portrayal of pure satanic evil in Longlegs is haunting and unforgettable, Lee’s character study, particularly her unique abilities, intrigue through and through. Days after viewing, the feelings of restlessness and hopelessness linger, compelling viewers to reflect on the fragility of child-like innocence. However, this film stands out for another significant reason: its depiction of the extreme measures that parents will often go to, to ensure their children’s safety to be a child and, later, to grow up. I cannot recommend it enough.

Grade: A