Reviews: Longlegs (2024) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Crime
Subgenres: Serial Killer, Occult
Our honest review of Longlegs (2024) breaks down its scares, pacing, and whether this horror movie truly stands the test of time.
Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs is a psychological horror-thriller that leans heavily into the eerie and unsettling. The film follows Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), an FBI agent investigating a series of gruesome murders linked to an elusive serial killer known as "Longlegs" (Nicolas Cage). As Harker digs deeper into the case, she discovers occult connections that hint at something far more sinister and supernatural than she ever expected.
Longlegs (2024) – A Disturbing Descent into Serial Killer Horror
Perkins eschews traditional jump scares, instead building an atmosphere of lingering dread, making Longlegs one of the most unnerving horror films in recent years. The film’s haunting cinematography, oppressive sound design, and unsettling performances make it a truly unique and unforgettable addition to the serial killer horror subgenre.
Director and Main Cast
Directed by:
- Osgood Perkins (The Blackcoat’s Daughter, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House) – Known for his slow-burn, moody horror, Perkins crafts a uniquely disturbing experience in Longlegs.
Main Cast:
- Maika Monroe as Lee Harker – A career-best performance, portraying an agent unraveling under the weight of an unrelenting case and personal trauma.
- Nicolas Cage as Longlegs – A nightmarish portrayal of a serial killer, blurring the line between man and supernatural force.
- Blair Underwood as Agent Carter – Harker’s mentor and FBI superior, grounding the film with a measured, authoritative presence.
- Alicia Witt as Ruth Harker – Lee’s ultra-religious mother, whose connection to the case adds to the film’s disturbing psychological underpinnings.
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
A Serial Killer Film with Occult Undertones
Unlike traditional serial killer films, Longlegs introduces a disturbing supernatural element. The case isn’t just about tracking a murderer—it’s about uncovering a deeper evil tied to demonic forces.
- Obsession and Trauma – Harker’s investigation is deeply personal, revealing connections between her past and the case.
- Religious Fear vs. Evil – The film tackles the dangers of blind faith, contrasting Harker’s mother’s religious fanaticism with the dark rituals of the killer.
- The Power of Evil – Unlike most serial killers, Longlegs isn’t just a man—he’s a force of pure malevolence, existing beyond human comprehension.
Maika Monroe’s Harker – A Woman on the Edge
- Monroe delivers an emotionally layered performance, portraying a woman unraveling under the weight of supernatural dread.
- Her subtle facial expressions and body language convey internalized fear and suppressed trauma, making Harker one of the most compelling horror protagonists in recent memory.
Nicolas Cage’s Longlegs – A Monster in Human Form
- Cage transforms completely, embodying a grotesque, whispering, otherworldly killer.
- His mannerisms, eerie voice, and haunting presence create one of the most terrifying serial killer portrayals ever put to screen.
- His screen time is minimal, but his presence dominates the entire film, making his appearances even more terrifying.
Acting and Cinematography
Standout Performances
- Maika Monroe anchors the film, portraying a detective slipping into paranoia and dread.
- Nicolas Cage delivers one of his most unsettling performances—his whispery, inhuman voice and disturbing mannerisms make Longlegs a nightmare-inducing villain.
- Alicia Witt brings unexpected depth to the role of Harker’s deeply religious mother, adding a psychological element to the film’s horror.
A Masterclass in Cinematic Horror
- Shot in a shifting aspect ratio, creating a claustrophobic, dreamlike atmosphere.
- Bleak color palettes and muted tones give the film a haunting, old-school feel reminiscent of ‘90s thrillers like Se7en and The Silence of the Lambs.
- Slow, creeping camera movements heighten the sense of unease, making even mundane scenes deeply unsettling.
Sound Design and Score Enhance the Terror
- A droning, eerie score amplifies the film’s nightmarish atmosphere.
- Minimal but effective use of sound, ensuring even the quietest moments feel deafeningly ominous.
- Longlegs’ voice alone is enough to give you chills—his inhuman whispers and cryptic mutterings burrow into your brain long after the credits roll.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Incredibly effective atmosphere and tension.
- Terrifyingly unique villain—Nicolas Cage is unforgettable.
- Gorgeously haunting cinematography.
- Maika Monroe delivers a fantastic, layered performance.
- Subtle horror—no cheap jump scares, just pure dread.
Weaknesses:
- Story lacks clarity—some elements feel underdeveloped.
- Final act feels rushed compared to the slow build-up.
- Some plot points and character motivations remain frustratingly ambiguous.
In Conclusion – Is Longlegs Worth Watching?
Who Will Enjoy This Movie?
- Fans of slow-burn horror that prioritizes atmosphere over cheap thrills.
- Viewers who appreciate psychological horror mixed with occult themes.
- Anyone who loved films like Se7en, The Silence of the Lambs, or Hereditary and wants something equally disturbing.
Who Might Be Disappointed?
- Those expecting a traditional crime thriller—this film is far more surreal and ambiguous.
- Viewers who prefer clear explanations—some elements remain intentionally vague.
- Fans looking for an action-packed horror film—Longlegs is more about mood and psychological horror than fast-paced scares.
Final Verdict & Score
Longlegs (2024) is one of the most unsettling horror films of the year, offering a chilling blend of crime, psychological horror, and the occult. While some plot elements feel underdeveloped, its disturbing imagery, haunting sound design, and unforgettable performances make it a must-watch for horror fans.
Final Score: 7/10
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Longlegs Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.41/10
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- MetaCritic: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 8.6/10
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