Longlegs | Review & Score

About: In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree.

"...because you are the dark."

I haven't had a horror movie experience in theaters quite like this.

Os Perkins' LONGLEGS is one of the most fascinating, visceral and disturbing features to come out in some time. Honestly, as of right now, Longlegs is the horror movie of the year. Maybe even the decade. It's not even the fact that it's a great film, but it's a surreal film. It's a film that you have to experience on the big screen to really get the feel for it all. It grabs your attention from the opening frame to the final one without even flinching.

Nicolas Cage has never been better than he is in Longlegs, as the title character. Cage is so scary, that every scene when he popped up in full makeup and mannerisms, I was trying to pause the screen with my invisible remote just to try and take a second to breathe. It's the most terrifying performance I have witnessed in a long time. The Longlegs character will HAUNT YOU. Understatement.

Maika Monroe as the lead was a phenomenal choice. Her expressionisms are so spot on for this type of character. She's this generation's Clarice Starling. Monroe is fascinating, striking and subtle with every move, facial expression, emotion, body language and rapid intelligence.

Alicia Witt is another one I want to talk about real quick.

She's kind of an underdog here as far as performances go, because most eyes will be on both Cage and Monroe. But, it's Witt who steals the show in every scene she grabs with her iron grasp. Her expressions of emotion and subtle creepness is rather intense because you don't know what she's gonna do next. It's like a massive build up of energy that's ready to explode at every turn, but she keeps it subtle and makes you wonder.

Not to mention, her character is a rather important one for the whole story, no spoilers though.

I don't think any viewer would expect what was to come when the talented Kiernan Shipka arrived in one very important scene. Shipka plays a pivotal part in the story and her scene was a complete and immensely intense KNOCKOUT of a performance. Shipka has my award for scene-stealer of the year. Her performance will floor you and move you devilishly in every word she musters. Absolutely haunting performance from the young actress.

To end this review, I want to compliment the cinematography and use of frame throughout the film. It's shot really beautifully and the set piece they chose brings such a dark artful and atmospheric tone to the story, film and performances. So layered and rich. I really enjoyed looking at the movie just in that manner. Really well done.

All in all, Longlegs will haunt you to the core and you'll definitely be weary about sleeping in the dark for some time. Never know what might pop up in that corner over there.

It's easily my favorite horror film of the year and may go down as one of my favorites of the last ten years.

4.5/5