In the chilling thriller ‘Longlegs,’ Maika Monroe cuts like a knife.
“Longlegs,” directed by Osgood Perkins, is a chilling horror film set in the 1990s, revolving around a young FBI agent whose traumatic childhood encounter seems to hold the key to a series of brutal suburban murders spanning decades. The film opens with a haunting flashback of a young girl meeting a stranger in a snow-covered yard. The unsettling atmosphere is palpable, with the scene cutting abruptly just before the film’s title appears.
Twenty-five years later, the girl, now Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), is a talented FBI investigator with a unique ability to decipher the serial killer’s patterns. However, her psychological insight has its limitations. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the most disturbing mystery lies in the fragmented nature of childhood memories.
“Longlegs,” which premieres in theaters this Thursday, has been shrouded in mystery due to an enigmatic marketing campaign. The film’s ability to build a slow-burning tension is remarkable, yet it ultimately succumbs to a mix of horror clichés: satanic rituals, eerie dolls, and a bizarre performance by Nicolas Cage.
The first half of “Longlegs” is gripping and spellbinding, largely due to Monroe’s compelling performance. However, the third act fails to maintain this momentum. The film begins with a prologue presented in a boxy ratio, evoking an overhead projector’s visuals, before transitioning to a wider screen. Harker, a solitary and terse detective, joins a large task force to track down the killer responsible for the deaths of 10 families over 30 years. Her intuition proves invaluable, yet it’s met with skepticism by her partner (Dakota Daulby).
In a scene demonstrating her strange clairvoyance, Harker is subjected to a psych evaluation. Agent Carter (Blair Underwood) provides her with all the evidence, which suggests the same killer is behind the murders, as each scene includes a coded letter signed by Longlegs. “Manson had accomplices,” Harker reminds Carter, drawing a parallel to Charles Manson. Notably, all victims share a common trait: each has a daughter born on the 14th of the month, a detail Harker also shares.
Familial relationships are central to the story. Harker occasionally visits her reclusive mother (Alicia Witt), and their brief interactions hint at a deep understanding of the world’s cruelty. In one phone call, Harker mentions being busy with “work stuff,” to which her mother responds, “Nasty stuff?” Harker’s reply: “Yep.”
As the investigation progresses in rural Oregon, scenes of dread unfold in typical locations: an old crime scene, a locked barn, a psychiatric hospital. Longlegs (Nicolas Cage) lurks in the background, leaving letters for Harker. Initially seen fleetingly, Longlegs becomes increasingly clownish as the film progresses, resembling a figure from the ‘70s with his bleached hair and pale complexion.
Perkins, the son of Anthony Perkins (famed for playing Norman Bates in “Psycho”), brings personal connections to “Longlegs,” reflecting on his own upbringing and his father’s complex private life. Despite these roots, the film’s horror elements feel derivative, echoing classics like “Se7en” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” Ultimately, Longlegs comes across as a stock boogeyman and a vehicle for Cage’s eccentric performance.
However, “Longlegs” belongs to Maika Monroe. Known for her roles in “It Follows” and “Watcher,” Monroe’s portrayal of Harker cements her status as today’s leading “Scream Queen.” Her character’s determination and resilience are evident as she confronts terrifying scenarios head-on. Monroe’s steely presence and intense performance elevate the film, making her the standout in this otherwise conventional thriller. Nasty stuff? Indeed.
“Longlegs,” a Neon release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for bloody violence, disturbing images, and some language. Running time: 101 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
