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

No matter how little you get scared while watching horror movies, Nicolas Cage is going to stay with you till long after the film has ended.

Reader ye be warned, spoilers ahead.

I think the biggest question anyone reading this will have is whether Longlegs lives up to the hype. Yes, it very much does. Longlegs will leave you with an overwhelming sense of unease and dread throughout the film. The final act of the movie is one for the history books. I genuinely do not remember the last time I watched a horror movie and felt this way. Nicolas Cage will give you nightmares.

Longlegs overview:

In a chilling pursuit of a serial killer, FBI agent Lee Harker, played by Mika Monroe, stumbles upon a series of occult clues left behind by Longlegs, played by Nicolas Cage. Harker uncovers family secrets while investigating the murders committed by Longlegs. With cryptic letters being left at every crime scene since 3 decades, Longlegs solidifies himself as a killer that will never get caught. It is upto Agent Harker to stop him before he strikes again.

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Longlegs trailer:

Longlegs review: Sluggish at points but so, so terrifying

The release of Longlegs feels like an event. Like a movie that comes once in a decade. Already being described as the best horror movie of 2024, I have no choice but to second such a statement. Although, not without its flaws, Longlegs creates an environment so dreadful and dreary, it is hard to get yourself out of it even after the credits start rolling.

The opening scene of the film had me on the edge of my seat and that’s when I knew that this was going to be one hell of a film. The mystery surrounding Nicolas Cage’s appearance as Longlegs made me feel impatient. I pondered whether when the big reveal actually does happen, I might feel disappointed. Boy, was I wrong. Longlegs will be remembered as one of the most iconic and creepiest horror villains of all time.

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Although, it did feel a big dragged at times. I did catch myself wishing for more of Nicolas Cage and less of whatever else that was going on. A very good slow burn which led to an even better climax but a little faster pace would have made the film be able to tell a lot more in the same amount of time. For instance, Harker figuring out the code language of Longlegs deserved more explanation.

The part that I loved though was the complete disconnection from Longlegs himself. We know nothing about him yet he feels so familiar. As if every child grows up with their own Longlegs. It touched upon how children are made to believe in rainbows and candies and how dolls protect them but when they grow up, they realise the lies and horrors of life. They experience the morbidness of life themselves.

The final act of the film was something that I won’t forget for a long time. It has been ages since a film left me feeling so empty and scared. The film has crawled under my skin and it is going to stay there for a long time.

Longlegs performances: Nicolas Cage will haunt you

No matter how little you get scared while watching horror movies, Nicolas Cage is going to stay with you till long after the film has ended. His performance is nightmarish. Every single time he was on the screen, I was fixated. With very little screen time, Cage absolutely dominated the film. No one could have played Longlegs better than Nicolas Cage. His unhinged character combined with his ghastly makeup, Cage cemented himself as one of the most versatile actors of all time.

Longlegs: A film that deserves to be seen in theatres

Longlegs, with its incredibly creative marketing, has already etched itself onto the hearts of horror lovers. It will do the same for you after you watch it. The film deserves to be seen in theatres. The soundtrack and the cinematography are brilliant. The sheer deviousness of the film is expressed so poignantly through its cinematography. The soundtrack is so sinister, it will have you covering your face with your hands. And again, Nicolas Cage as Longlegs is like watching the Devil himself on the screen.

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Longlegs is scary, gory, satanic and gothic. A blend of everything that makes horror one of the most wonderful genres of film. It is an unforgettable horror experience that will flash Longlegs’ face every single time you try to close your eyes.

Longlegs Rating: 4/5 stars

Longlegs is now playing in theatres.