Horror Movies That Will Give You Chills

In the realm of horror movies, there is a fine line between psychological terror and mindless gore. Two recent releases, ‘Longlegs’ and ‘Kakuda’, take different approaches to the genre, but both will leave you sleeping with the lights on.

The Unsettling Atmosphere of ‘Longlegs’

Director Osgood Perkins’ latest film, ‘Longlegs’, is a masterclass in building tension and creating an unsettling atmosphere. The story follows FBI Special Agent Lee Harker, played by Maika Monroe, as she delves into a series of gruesome murders that have been attributed to a mysterious figure known as Longlegs. With each new death, Agent Harker becomes more entangled in the web of terror, leading her to question her own sanity.

Nicolas Cage, unrecognizable in his portrayal of Longlegs, brings a level of unease to the film that is hard to shake. His character’s erratic behavior and unsettling appearance make it impossible to look away, even when you want to. The film’s use of Satanic imagery and eerie settings only adds to the sense of foreboding that permeates every scene.

The Comedic Relief of ‘Kakuda’

In stark contrast to ‘Longlegs’, ‘Kakuda’ is a horror comedy that relies on absurdity and slapstick humor to create its scares. The film tells the story of a ghostly dwarf clown, Kakuda, who haunts men every Tuesday at precisely 7:15 PM. The curse? If they dare to close a small door-like window in their homes, they are doomed to grow a hunchback and perish within thirteen days.

While the premise is certainly ridiculous, the film’s inability to balance its comedic elements with genuine fear makes it fall flat. The characters’ reactions to the supernatural events are often confusing, veering wildly between fear and indifference. Even Riteish Deshmukh’s talents are wasted in a role that feels more like a caricature than a fully fleshed-out character.

Two Different Approaches to Horror

‘Longlegs’ and ‘Kakuda’ represent two different approaches to the horror genre. While ‘Longlegs’ relies on psychological terror and atmosphere to create its scares, ‘Kakuda’ tries to use comedy and absurdity. In the end, ‘Longlegs’ is a far more successful film, its unsettling atmosphere and standout performance from Nicolas Cage making it a must-see for horror fans.

A still from ‘Longlegs’, showcasing Nicolas Cage’s unsettling performance

However, ‘Kakuda’ does have its moments, particularly in the performances of Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem, who bring a sense of grounding to the film’s otherwise absurd premise. In the end, it’s a shame that the film’s comedic elements don’t quite gel, as it has the potential to be a truly unique horror comedy.

A comedic still from ‘Kakuda’, showcasing the film’s absurd premise

Ultimately, horror fans will find ‘Longlegs’ to be a far more satisfying experience, but ‘Kakuda’ may still appeal to those who enjoy a more lighthearted approach to the genre. Both films offer something unique, even if one is more successful than the other.