The Unsettling Allure of Longlegs: A Descent into Occult Horror
In the realm of horror movies, few films have managed to capture the essence of creeping dread and occult uncanniness as effectively as Osgood Perkins’ latest masterpiece, Longlegs. This thought-provoking film has been making waves in the horror community, and for good reason. With its unique blend of slow-burning tension and shocking moments, Longlegs is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat, questioning what lies in the shadows.
A Story of Unsettling Proportions
The film follows newly minted Oregon field agent Lee Harker, played by Maika Monroe, as she uses her intuition to aid Special Agent Carter, played by Blair Underwood, in one of the Bureau’s most baffling cases. Several unrelated men have killed their entire families and themselves over the past several decades, leaving behind only a cryptic letter signed ‘Longlegs.’ As Harker delves deeper into the strange occult circumstances surrounding these massacres, her own connections to the case begin to surface, and the inevitability of Longlegs’ masterplan begins to take shape.
The eerie atmosphere of Longlegs sets the tone for a thrilling ride.
A Masterclass in Building Tension
Perkins’ directing style is a perfect match for the film’s themes of slow-burning dread and occult horror. By punctuating the moody quiet with loud and shocking moments, he keeps the audience on edge, constantly wondering what will come next. The film’s use of lighting and camera angles adds to the sense of unease, making it impossible to look away from the screen.
A Cast that Delivers
The performances in Longlegs are top-notch, with Nicolas Cage delivering a particularly unsettling portrayal of the titular character. Blair Underwood and Maika Monroe also shine in their roles, bringing depth and nuance to the film’s complex characters.
Nicolas Cage’s performance as Longlegs is both captivating and terrifying.
A Horror Movie that Knows What it’s Doing
Longlegs is a horror movie that knows what it’s doing. It’s not a crime movie with horror elements; it’s a weird horror movie with the FBI. Perkins understands what scares us about occultism and uses that to thoroughly unsettle and affect the audience. The film’s climax may be puzzling at times, but it’s also thought-provoking and memorable.
Conclusion
Longlegs is a superb example of a horror movie that knows what it’s doing. With its unique blend of slow-burning tension and shocking moments, it’s a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The performances are top-notch, and the directing style is perfect for the film’s themes. If you’re a fan of horror movies, Longlegs is a must-see.
The film’s use of lighting and camera angles adds to the sense of unease.
