American director, screenwriter, and son of Anthony Perkins, Osgood “Oz” Perkins brings a new horror story to the screen that leaves audiences thoroughly disturbed. A-list actor Nicolas Cage and It Follows’ Maika Monroe come together in the supernatural and psychological thriller film Longlegs. It’s obvious to horror enthusiasts that Longlegs takes on a similar plot to the 1991 Academy Award-winning film Silence of the Lambs. But what made the film a $22.6 M box office hit earlier this month?
The new film follows the protagonist, Rookie FBI Special Agent Lee Harker (Monroe) in her hunt for serial killer Longlegs (Cage). Throughout the film, time jumps cut between adult Lee Harker (1990s), and Harker as a child (1970s). Agent Lee Harker embarks on an investigation that involves a range of family murders. Nicolas Cage warps into the serial killer Longlegs, with chilling scenes that include moments of him serenading a little girl and shouting phrases like, “Mommy” and “Daddy” when he’s by himself. Longlegs’ real identity remains a mystery until the climax of the film. The reveal leads to a rabbit hole of truths uncovered. Other prominent characters that we are introduced to in the film are Agent Lee Harker’s cool and collected boss, Agent Carter (Blaire Underwood) and her unhinged hoarder mother, Ruth Harker (Alicia Witt).
It’s no secret Nicolas Cage has had a fulfilling career in film. He’s best known for several successful films including Con-Air (1997), Kick-Ass (2010), and the hit franchise National Treasure (2004). He was also the highlight of Longlegs. He perfectly embodies Longlegs’ persona as an occultist serial killer. His character becomes more complicated as the audience learns that Longlegs only targets families of three that must include a father, mother and daughter whose birthday lands on the 14th of any month.
Ultimately, Longlegs has great moments that really make the audience scratch their brain as they try to uncover clues throughout the film, allowing viewers to partake in the investigation without giving away too many obvious hints. But while Longlegs is engaging for the audience, it lacks character development in Agent Lee Harker’s story. It left the collective with more unanswered questions at the end. For instance, why did Longlegs target Lee, even though she didn’t have a father figure in the home? This went against Longlegs’s usual “MO.” And what made Lee different than his other targets and victims? Loopholes like these are what break down the creator’s plot and and structure of the film.
Still, Longlegs was enjoyable and had the audience hooked from the beginning until the very end. Both Cage and Monroe’s acting abilities really pulled the film together and were the main drivers that helped continue to grasp audiences’ attention until the credits rolled.
You can now watch Longlegs at a theater near you. Let us know what you think of the film in the comments below!
Acting was great!
Storyline was interesting
Kept audiences on their toes
Did not rely on jump scares to make the audiences feel unsettled
Created loopholes throughout the film
Raised more questions at the end of the film
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