Longlegs opens in theaters July 12.
Similar to the eerie allure of liminal spaces found online, “cursed images” in horror movies have the ability to take everyday scenes and twist them into something malevolent, exposing the dark underbelly of our reality. Longlegs, the latest film from filmmaker Osgood Perkins who brought us The Blackcoat’s Daughter, masterfully harnesses this concept, infusing familiar horror elements with a sense of otherworldly evil. Perkins’ approach to the serial-killer genre combines grisly realism with nightmarish surrealism, creating a chilling atmosphere that feels almost forbidden, as if we are peering into something we shouldn’t.
Right from the start, the film sets a diabolical tone. Opening with what appears to be a nostalgic home video before taking a sharp turn into terror, Perkins establishes a connection between true-crime visuals and supernatural elements by introducing rookie FBI agent Lee Harker (played by Maika Monroe). While investigating a seemingly ordinary suburban neighborhood, Harker experiences a sudden intuition that leads them to a random house where their suspect is hiding – a revelation that shocks everyone except the audience.
The Baffling Case of “Longlegs”
Assigned to investigate a series of baffling crimes, Harker uncovers a pattern of suburban households being annihilated, each crime scene marked by a cryptic letter signed by “Longlegs.” Despite the absence of any forced entry or signs of an outsider, these mysterious messages appear inexplicably, leaving Harker and their team puzzled. As they delve deeper into the case, the notion that “Longlegs” may be manipulating the killers from afar emerges, drawing parallels to infamous criminals like the Zodiac Killer and Charles Manson.
To further intensify the sense of unease, Perkins incorporates unsettling imagery and repeated phrases throughout the film, creating a disturbing ambiance that seeps into the viewer’s psyche. As Harker delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering a personal connection to “Longlegs,” the tension escalates, culminating in a chilling encounter with the enigmatic figure portrayed by Nicolas Cage.
Unraveling the Mysteries
While Monroe delivers a strong performance as Agent Harker, navigating the complexities of the case alongside her vulnerable mother, there is a palpable sense of impending doom that permeates the narrative. Perkins’ distinctive style, characterized by a somber color palette and Gothic undertones, sets the stage for a harrowing exploration of horror and suspense. Despite moments where the film may feel familiar, Perkins’ unique brand of horror transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, inviting audiences to embrace the uncanny and unsettling.