“LONGLEGS” a Screamer

A scene from LONGLEGS. Photos courtesy of Neon

With many horror flicks it’s hard to find a scary story that makes you jump out of your seat these days. The trick for producers to make a real success is not to show the horrific antagonist in a trailer or poster before it appears on the big screen. With the movie Longlegs all the trailers for the film do not show the killer’s very chilling face giving this film the advantage of anticipation.
When they finally do, it’s the cherry on top of the sundae.

The film opens in Oregon with young Lee Harker getting a visit from an old man who mentions her birthday. The film then flashes forward about 15 years later and we get introduced to the now older Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) who has been hired by the FBI. Coincidently the murders that have been happening yearly are in the Oregon area in which she had lived. Their main suspect calls himself Longlegs and has left clues with each of his victims. Chosen for her clairvoyance ability to figure out when and where the next killing may take place, Lee starts out by analyzing the homes of the dead.

A scene from LONGLEGS. Photos courtesy of Neon

So beings a cat and mouse, mouse and cat, chase that puts Harker’s life in jeopardy. Director and writer of the creepy film, Osgood Perkins, has a past connected to a treasure chest of horror thriller flicks and it has led to this creative gem. Starring, writing and directing films in the horror genre seems to have made the most impact on his career and it’s been a good one. Acting for likes of Director Writer Jordan Peele (Nope, Get Out, Us) and Director Nick Simon (Removal) shows here, especially the element of surprise.

A scene from LONGLEGS. Photos courtesy of Neon

That said, Longlegs does have a downside as the story gets a bit convoluted and Nick Cage’s Longlegs character becomes only a figment until the last 20 minutes. Beforehand the movie moves along slowly with a lot of conjecture to hide the real connection between Harker and Longlegs. But, the finale saves the film.

The acting by the “It Follows” star Maika Monroe is very good in spite of the weighty script that makes her a puppet on a string. But don’t let that keep you away as her performance is spot on throughout the horrifying and gory flick. Her Lee Harker dives in and out of some ghastly murder scenes showing her despair and psychological breaking point to and including the very end.

As for Nicholas “Nick” Cage (as Longlegs), he tops his last horror character Dracula in the movie Renfield for both makeup and psychotic deeds. Here he’s one of the ugliest killers that have filled horror screens and that’s a good thing for the fan base. When he’s on screen the movie finally takes off with breath stopping debauchery. However, in the hour and 41 minute he’s only in it (my guess) 15 to 20 minutes.

A scene from LONGLEGS. Photos courtesy of Neon

Longlegs has been rated R by the MPAA for bloody violence, disturbing images and some language. Some of the crime scenes are extremely ghastly, including one that involves animals. For those that like a good scare jump, it’s not the best, but worth the watch. For the average 17 to 25 year old male, go see the film but you may want to consider not bringing a date that’s easily terrified, especially if she has long fingernails.

Additional Film Information:
Cast: Maika Monroe, Nicholas Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Dakota Daulby
Directed and written by: Osgood Perkins
Genre: Horror, Crime, Thriller
MPAA Rating:  R for bloody violence, disturbing images and some language
Running Time: 1 hr. 41 min.
Opening Date: Now Playing
Distributed by: Neon
Released in: Theaters

Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com