©Courtesy of Neon
Osgood Perkins has certainly made a name for himself in the world of ethereal horror. Son of the legendary Anthony Perkins (Norman Bates if you’re unfamiliar), Oz has released a set of high style horror pics since the mid 2010s. With his new film Longlegs, Perkins has entered a realm his films haven’t been a part of before; viral hype. From creepy 911 calls to flashes of the titular Longlegs, portrayed by Nicolas Cage. The film has enjoyed a ramp up to its release that would make any smaller budget film so jealous they’d kill for the same type of attention.
Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is fairly fresh in her job as an FBI agent. She isn’t too particularly loved by her colleagues. After she almost wills into existence the knowledge of the location of a wanted murderer, the bureau has her tested for levels of ESP. Harker’s abilities to know things others cannot imagine make her the perfect candidate to hunt down a particular killer who never even was at the scene of his crimes.
Propelled by the faith of her supervisor, Agent Carter (Blair Underwood), Harker starts her search for the elusive Longlegs. Nothing about this case can be considered normal. Longlegs seemingly convinces well regarded family men to murder their families in cold blood. He is never at the scene, but they know this man is responsible. Soon after Harker joins the investigation, Longslegs seems to not only know of her involvement, but he is able to taunt Harker in ways she never imagined.
©Courtesy of Neon
Longlegs enters a short list of films whose openings are so good, the rest of the film couldn’t dare even live up to the pre-title card brilliance. From a chilling 4:3 presentation to a wonderfully brief and satisfying explanation for the title of Longlegs. As short this would have been the greatest chiller ever. While the proceedings aren’t awful, it’s an immediate let down from that point forward.
Compared to Perkins’ past films, Longlegs is a much more traditional story and presentation. Imagine Silence of the Lambs with an occult overtone that ultimately manifests in true supernatural forms. While the shorter run-time of the film compared to many contemporaries is a welcome occurrence, it leaves more of the final exposition revelations feeling anemic. There is a sense of unfulfilled promises from the story.
Everything is explained (if not totally predictable in the first place). There is a void though that exists. As if more questions are opened by the ending of the film that don’t have enough meat to them. You just have to take it on faith that there is a magical power at work that can never fully be explained. Thus, you have to realize you have to take every piece of information at face value.
©Courtesy of Neon
Though there is plenty of Nic Cage to enjoy by the middle of the film onward, this is Maika Monroe’s vehicle. The character of Harker is meant to be estranged from the rest of humanity. She’s the weirdo everyone thought Fox Mulder was based on his history. Yet, her performance is too wooden and emotionless to keep the viewer engaged. It’s as if they took a cardboard cut out of Monroe and animated the movements, but left the face and emotions unchanged.
Cage on the other hand does everything you expect of him. In many ways, when he finally does go “full Cage,” it fits so well. It feels like his entire career was practice for a single moment in Longlegs. This isn’t a life changing performance or one to write home about. But it is everything you expect it to be; and that’s just fine.
Like all Osgood Perkins films, there is so much more going on than just plot. Many people might walk away from Longlegs in disappointment. They are not looking for deep meaningful messages in a film they were told would scare them to death. The more typical presentation of Longlegs does lead to some flat offerings. Its more personal message also won’t hit home with everyone.
©Courtesy of Neon
Final Grade: C+
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Here’s the trailer of the film.