Alicia Witt’s character was so maniacal she refuses to watch Longlegs, ‘It’s what came out of me that I don’t want to see’

"Longlegs" centres on the character of pseudo-psychic Detective Lee Harker, who is on the hunt for a satanic serial killer, played by Nicolas Cage.

Spoiler Alert: The following text contains plot details for Osgood Perkins' "Longlegs," which premiered in theatres on July 12.

Alicia Witt, an integral part of the suspenseful tale in Osgood Perkins' satanic horror film "Longlegs," opted out of attending the film's screening at the premiere on Monday night.

Also read: Longlegs review: Death comes calling in this nightmarish yet dragged modern Silence of the Lambs

Witt described her involvement in "Longlegs" as "the most cathartic experience" of her acting career. She fully immersed herself in the character of Ruth Harker, the deranged mother of Detective Lee Harker, portrayed by Maika Monroe. Throughout the film, Ruth facilitates numerous sinister murders, compelling Witt to delve into the darkest corners of her psyche to authentically portray her character. Witt detailed her preparation: “When I got the role, I had about six weeks. I journaled, made playlists, and contemplated her thought process, her childhood, and her inner darkness.” By the time she stepped onto the set, she was ready to let her instincts guide her performance. This profound connection to the character is why Witt has chosen not to watch the movie: “It’s what came out of me that I don’t want to see.”

On July 8, Perkins, Witt, and the rest of the "Longlegs" cast walked a black carpet outside Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre to mark the premiere of what might become the scariest film of 2024.

Also read: Longlegs Box Office: The Nicolas Cage starrer collects $3 million in previews, surpasses Sydney Sweeney’s Immaculate

"Longlegs" centres on the character of pseudo-psychic Detective Lee Harker, who is on the hunt for a satanic serial killer, played by Nicolas Cage, who compels fathers to murder their families. Cage, undergoing a chilling transformation into the character Longlegs, dedicated his performance to his mother, Joy Vogelsang. He clarified that she “wasn’t satanic” but struggled with numerous challenges that influenced his portrayal. Cage remarked, “I thought about the way she spoke and moved. Some people said, ‘[Longlegs] is Tiny Tim.’ He’s not Tiny Tim; he is Joy Vogelsang. So I owe it all to my mom.”

A pivotal moment in the film occurs during the intense interrogation of Longlegs by Detective Lee Harker, after a prolonged investigation. This scene marked the first time Monroe saw Cage in full makeup. The tension was palpable, with microphones picking up Monroe’s heart rate, which soared to 170 BPM during the shoot.

"Longlegs" hits theatres on July 12.