Osgood Perkins' latest production, "Longlegs," is a visionary horror film determined to unsettle viewers with its exaggerated cinematic elements. Drawing obvious comparisons to the familiar narrative of "The Silence of the Lambs," the film manifests an alternative approach with a more disturbed tonality. The narrative heavily features a female FBI agent and a serial killer, but instead navigates towards the unfamiliar, creating an intense experience, similar to stepping into a chilling nightmare.
However, "Longlegs" captures both the creeps and criticism. On occasion, it steps out of its subtle dreamlike storytelling, compellingly and bizarrely explaining its plot. The film doesn't fully commit to its surreal weirdness, causing it to lose its terror factor at certain points. The movie opens with an incredibly effective scene of a young girl encountering an event, shaping the narrative that follows.
The story then transitions years later into an eccentric portrayal of the '90s, introducing the agent Lee Harker (played by Maika Monroe). She captures a serial killer, invoking the suspicion that she might possess unique abilities, inducing further intrigue. Despite being purposefully peculiar, the screenplay loses itself at times, failing to explore more unique details about Lee's character.
The title character, a weird and twisted serial killer is played by Nicolas Cage. Harker delves deep into investigating the chain of family murders and decoding cryptic, Zodiac-like notes associated with specific dates. Perkins carefully crafts each aspect of the film with a clear narrative connection in mind, further enhancing the suspense and sinister vibe.
Yet, despite its captivating narrative and meticulously designed cinematography, the narrative may feel too closely regulated to depict the required narrative chaos. It attempts to explain every aspect of the story, which somewhat compromises its eerie impact. Despite its minor downfalls, "Longlegs" excels in building suspense and tension in its storyline. Drawing its strength from the dark themes of faith, evil and generational trauma, the film has successfully grabbed attention through its edgy marketing. Ultimately, reflecting the unpredictable nature of nightmares, the film has drawn much appreciation for its unique elements and dedication towards the mode of narration.
