Longlegs

Directed by Oz Perkins

★★★★

Oz Perkins' Longlegs is a chilling foray into the dark world of serial killers, occult mysteries, and the psychological toll of hunting the inexplicable. Starring Maika Monroe as FBI Agent Lee Harker and Nicolas Cage as the enigmatic Longlegs, the film crafts an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Though it wears its influences on its sleeve—most notably Silence of the Lambs and the works of David Fincher—it manages to carve out its own unique place within the genre.

The film follows Agent Harker, a determined and capable investigator, as she delves into a cold case that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. What begins as a routine investigation into a series of unsolved murders evolves into a nerve-wracking exploration of the occult. As Harker uncovers more evidence, she discovers a personal connection to the killer, leading to a race against time to stop him before he strikes again.

Maika Monroe delivers a standout performance as Harker, bringing a mix of vulnerability and steely resolve to the role. Her portrayal of the determined FBI agent is compelling and layered, easily evoking comparisons to Jodie Foster’s iconic Clarice Starling. Monroe's ability to convey the emotional weight of the investigation, coupled with her unyielding drive to catch the killer, makes Harker a memorable protagonist. She navigates the film's twists and turns with an intensity that anchors the film, ensuring that the audience is invested in her journey from start to finish.

Nicolas Cage, as the elusive and unsettling Longlegs, delivers a performance that is both unnerving and captivating. His portrayal of the killer is characterized by an off-putting, eerie delivery that works to the film's advantage. Cage's ability to oscillate between calm malevolence and explosive idiosyncratic menace makes him a formidable presence, and his performance is one of the film's highlights. His scenes with Monroe crackle with tension, as the two actors play off each other in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Longlegs excels in building and maintaining an atmosphere of tension and dread. Perkins, known for his work on Gretel & Hansel, demonstrates his skill in creating an unsettling mood that permeates every frame of the film. The cinematography, with its dark, shadowy visuals, and the eerie score work in tandem to heighten the sense of unease. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly, punctuated by moments of shocking unpredictability that keep the audience on edge.

However, while the film's atmosphere is its strongest asset, it is not without its flaws. The dialogue, at times, feels stilted and unnatural, occasionally pulling the viewer out of the carefully constructed world. Some of the conversations between characters lack the sharpness and realism that one might expect in such a tense narrative, making certain scenes feel less impactful than they should.

Despite these shortcomings, Longlegs is a memorable entry in the crime-thriller genre. Its commitment to atmosphere, coupled with strong performances from Monroe and Cage, make it a film that sticks with you. Perkins’ ability to craft a world that is both terrifying and intriguing is evident, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his previous work. While it may not be as groundbreaking as its influences, Longlegs is a solid, atmospheric thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre.

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