The early reactions to Longlegs have been almost hysterical, with people describing it as a nerve-wracking, hide-your-children experience. While the film does generate a considerable amount of suspense, it’s not as terrifying as some have made it out to be. Instead, it focuses on creating an oppressive atmosphere of unease, leaving the viewer constantly on edge. Every aspect of the film, from the cinematography to the pacing, is meticulously crafted to induce dread. The story unfolds in a series of chapters, each punctuated by jarring transitions and sound effects that serve as jump scares. The setting, primarily claustrophobic interiors bathed in sickly orange light, adds to the feeling of unease. The dialogue is sparse and deliberate, with an emphasis on the silence between words, creating a palpable sense of tension. The film’s opening sequence, set in the 1970s, immediately plunges us into the unsettling world of Longlegs. The boxy aspect ratio, muted colors, and beveled corners of the frame evoke a sense of danger lurking beneath the surface of normalcy. We are introduced to the titular antagonist, a mysterious figure responsible for a string of murders, who communicates through coded letters with biblical references. Maika Monroe stars as Lee Harker, an FBI agent with a touch of clairvoyance who becomes obsessed with catching the killer. Her character is a workaholic with an uneasy relationship with her religious mother, adding a personal dimension to the investigation. Harker’s introspective nature, combined with the film’s atmospheric qualities, creates a sense of creeping dread that keeps the viewer engaged. Longlegs does have its share of violence, with flashes of gore and disturbing visions, but its most shocking aspect is its surprising conventionality. Beneath the stylish veneer, the film adheres to familiar thriller tropes, borrowing elements from Thomas Harris procedurals, classic cult horror, and even the X-Files. Harker, despite being a well-developed character, ultimately falls into the mold of a traditional FBI agent, echoing the likes of Clarice Starling and Will Graham. The film’s reliance on familiar conventions becomes more apparent as the plot progresses, weakening the film’s initial hold on the viewer. The reveal of the killer, played by Nicolas Cage, is perhaps the film’s most underwhelming moment. Cage, known for his over-the-top performances, delivers a caricature of a deranged killer, ultimately leaning more towards camp than true horror. The film’s strength lies in its atmosphere and visual style, but it lacks the psychological depth to truly terrify. It is a stylistic exercise in horror, but ultimately superficial, lacking the emotional weight and originality of Perkins’ previous works. While Longlegs may leave you with a sense of unease, it fails to deliver the haunting and lingering terror that it promises. It is a film that is more visually impressive than genuinely unsettling.
Longlegs: A Stylish But Superficial Horror Thriller
