Longlegs - New Release Review
Director: Osgood Perkins
Starring: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood, Michelle Choi-Lee, Dakota Daulby, Kiernan Shipka
Written by: Osgood Perkins
Produced by: Nicolas Cage, Dave Caplan, Chris Ferguson, Dan Kagan, Brian Kavanuagh-Jones
Cinematography by: Andres Arochi
Synopsis:
In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree.
Thoughts:
Ever since his directorial debut with 'The Blackcoat's Daughter' in 2015, Osgood Perkins has been garnering a reputation for himself in the horror community as being one of the genre's most interesting directors. From the psychological horror of his debut to the haunting beauty of 'I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House', to the fantastical darkness of 'Gretal and Hansel' he applies a meticulous yet chilling stillness to his films that is instantly recognisable. That is still the case with his latest feature and arguably his biggest film to date, 'Longlegs'.
Set in the 90's the film follows a rookie FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) who is assigned to solve a series of murders that spans multiple decades. They are believed to be perpetrated by the infamous Longlegs serial killer (Nicolas Cage). As the case takes her down a dark rabbit hole it reveals secrets of her past testing the mettle of her very soul. From that synopsis alone you would think that 'Longlegs' is just another cat and mouse procedural horror but in the hands of Osgood Perkins it is something else, something more cerebral and darker. The opening scene where a little girl bumps into the titular character perfectly sets the ominous tone for the film as it unnerves and grabs you by the arm ready to drag you into the unrelenting darkness that ensues.
With 'Longlegs', Perkins creates a world where God has turned a blind eye to the actions of man. It is a world of indifference that has allowed evil to fester and corrupt. Early reactions to the film have labelled it as being the scariest horror film of the decade and I feel that this creates a false sense of expectation for general audiences. Whilst it is scary, the truly horrifying thing about the film is the existential dread Perkins imparts upon the viewer to the point that the film stays with you long after the credits roll. The stark symmetry in the camera work is highly effective throughout the film at achieving this and some of the shot compositions of a hallway or room entrance makes it feel like an otherworldly presence is always watching. As the film progresses the camera moves less, giving the film a sense of claustrophobia and a feeling that there is no escape or stopping anything that is happening. You are locked in on the events that are unfolding whether you like it or not.
As Lee Harker, Maika Monroe delivers a pitch perfect performance. Emotionally repressed, socially distant and struggling to make sense of the rotten world she inhabits, the case plunges her back to a forgotten childhood. Her stoicism can't hide the distraught and tired look in her eyes, which is something Monroe conveys so naturally. Early in the film there is a slight fantastical twist that her character might have a form of clairvoyance which threatens to derail the film but the grounded nature of Monroe's performance makes it more palatable.
Opposite her is a near unrecognisable Nicolas Cage whose portrayal of the titular satanic killer is the stuff of nightmares. From the first time we see his pale face behind his stringy white glam rock hair he gets under your skin as he mewls his dialogue in the creepiest manner imaginable. You'll never hear "Happy Birthday" in the same way again. Under the layers of thick (and impressive) make up there is a devilish glee to his performance. From his heavy breathing to his hand movements that are very expressionistic, his performance is one that will surely go down as one of the most disturbing to ever grace the genre.
The supporting cast are also excellent across the board including Blair Underwood as Agent Carter, Harker's superior officer who like Monroe does a great job at grounding the film. Alicia Witt's turn as Lee's religious mother Ruth is also a stand out adding to the creepiness of the film but there are also subtle hints of empathy strewn in it. In her single scene Kiernan Shipka is outstanding as Carrie Anne, a survivor of a Longlegs murder. The innocent diction to her voice as she has a disturbing conversation with Harker is one of the film's many highlights.
Combining the pervasive dread of 'Se7en' and the still terror of 'Silence of the Lambs', 'Longlegs' is one of the most impactful horror films of recent years. Forsaking the gunshot scares of its contemporaries, it is a slow knife that burrows and twists its way deep into the pit of your gut without relenting. From its technical proficiency to the terrific performances on display, it is Perkins' best film to date. A masterclass in disturbing and disorientating an audience in equal measure it is a film that will linger in the dark recesses of one's mind, occasionally surfacing to remind you of its power to horrify.
Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
-Joseph McElroy
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