New Movies: Longlegs (2024) by Osgood Perkins: A Deep Dive into Occult Horror

Core Summary: An FBI Agent's Terrifying Personal Connection to the Occult Longlegs (2024), directed by Osgood Perkins, is a horror-crime thriller centered on FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), who is assigned to an elusive serial killer case. As she uncovers evidence of occult connections, Harker shockingly discovers a deeply personal link to the killer, "Longlegs" (Nicolas Cage), forcing her into a race against time to stop him while confronting her own dark past and an unsettling family secret that transcends generations. The film is noted for its atmospheric tension, unsettling visuals, and a deliberate, cryptic narrative style.

Summary Short: Occult Serial Killer Unearths Agent's Dark Past An FBI agent investigating a cryptic serial killer who murders families discovers a terrifying personal connection to the occultist, forcing her to confront hidden truths about her own history to stop him.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23468450/

Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jul/14/longlegs-review-maika-monroe-and-nicolas-cage-grip-in-brooding-horror-thriller

About movie: https://www.neonrated.com/film/longlegs-film

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/longlegs (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/longlegs (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/longlegs (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/longlegs (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/longlegs (France), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/longlegs (Italy), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/longlegs (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/longlegs (Germany)

Detailed Summary: Agent Harker's Descent into a Predetermined Nightmare

• Film Overview: Longlegs (2024) is an American horror-crime thriller film, written and directed by Osgood Perkins. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. The film is produced by C2 Motion Picture Group, Saturn Films (Nicolas Cage's production company), and Range Media Partners, and is distributed by Neon.

• The Case Unfolds: The narrative begins in 1990s Oregon, where FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), who exhibits possible clairvoyance, is assigned an unsolved cold case. This case involves a series of disturbing murder-suicides where fathers kill their families and themselves, leaving behind Satanically coded letters signed "Longlegs" – a serial killer whose handwriting doesn't match any victim.

• Unsettling Discoveries: Lee meticulously analyzes the cases, discovering a pattern: each victim family had a nine-year-old daughter born on the 14th of the month, with murders occurring around their birthdays, forming an occult triangle symbol on a calendar with one missing date.

• A Personal Connection: The mystery deepens when Lee receives a coded birthday card from Longlegs, and her supervisor, William Carter (Blair Underwood), suspects her personal connection after learning someone used Lee's name to visit a sole survivor of Longlegs' attacks, Carrie Anne Camera.

• Family Secrets Revealed: Through clues from her mother, Ruth (Alicia Witt), Lee uncovers a chilling truth: Longlegs is the man who visited her as a child. His subsequent arrest reveals he serves "the man downstairs" and hints at Ruth's long-standing complicity.

• The True Accomplice: After Longlegs and Carrie commit suicide, Lee learns that her mother, Ruth, has been Longlegs' accomplice since Lee's childhood. Ruth, disguised as a nun, delivered "Satanic dolls" created by Longlegs (who lived in the Harker basement) to families, coercing patriarchs into familicide. Lee's own doll blocked her memories but influenced her.

• A Race Against Time: Lee awakens from a vision to discover the missing date is today, and William's daughter, Ruby, is having her ninth birthday party. Lee rushes to save the Carters, whose deaths would complete Longlegs' occult triangle. She arrives to find the family possessed, with Ruth having delivered the final doll. Lee fatally shoots William to save Ruby, then is forced to kill Ruth when she attacks. The film ends with Lee unable to destroy the doll, hinting at the enduring power of the evil and her own compromised state.

Plot Summary: Agent Harker's Descent into a Predetermined Nightmare

• The Unsolved Family Murders: In the 1990s Oregon, FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to a baffling serial killer case. Fathers are murdering their entire families and then themselves, leaving behind cryptic, Satanically coded letters signed "Longlegs."

• Patterns and Premonitions: Harker uncovers chilling patterns: each family had a nine-year-old daughter born on the 14th of the month, and the murders occurred around their birthdays, forming an occult triangle on a calendar, with one missing date.

• A Personal Warning: Lee receives a coded birthday card from Longlegs, implicitly threatening her mother if she reveals its source, indicating a sinister, personal connection to the killer.

• The Truth Unravels: Following a clue, Lee and her supervisor find a disturbing doll. Her mother's cryptic hints lead Lee to a childhood Polaroid, revealing Longlegs is the same pale-faced man who visited her when she was young.

• The Accomplice Revealed: Longlegs is arrested but hints at her mother, Ruth's, involvement before committing suicide. Lee then discovers Ruth has been Longlegs' accomplice for decades, distributing possessed dolls (created by Longlegs, who secretly lived in their basement) that compelled fathers to commit familicide. Lee's own doll suppressed her memories while influencing her.

• The Final Sacrifice: In a terrifying race against time, Lee rushes to save her supervisor's family, the last point of Longlegs' occult triangle. She finds them already possessed by Ruth's latest doll. After her supervisor kills his wife, Lee is forced to fatally shoot him to save the daughter, Ruby. She then kills Ruth in self-defense, but the possessed doll cannot be destroyed, leaving Lee and Ruby facing an unknown future, possibly under the killer's continued influence.

Director's Vision: The Architecture of Dread and Inevitability Osgood Perkins' directorial vision for Longlegs is to create a deeply unsettling and atmospheric horror film that explores themes of predestination, generational evil, and hidden manipulation, rather than relying on jump scares or explicit gore.

• Atmospheric Horror: Perkins prioritizes building a pervasive sense of dread and unease. He aims for a film that is "deeply chilling" and "never lets you feel settled for even a second," creating an "unsettling emptiness" through production design and cinematography.

• Cryptic Narrative: He deliberately drip-feeds information, allowing the audience to interpret details alongside Agent Harker. He "does not hold your hand to give you a backstory" and enjoys leaving viewers "in the dark about what happened as you were when you walked in."

• Visual Storytelling: Perkins uses stark stylistic choices, such as flipping between aspect ratios (1.33:1 to 2.39:1) to delineate past and present, and employs intense color schemes. He emphasizes camera placement to create "eeriest imagery," especially with shadows, making spaces feel both vast and dreadful.

• Unique Antagonist Portrayal: He envisions Longlegs as a "weird amalgamation of a birthday clown and a rock and roll singer," aiming for an inhuman presence. Nicolas Cage's portrayal is integral to this, balancing "humor with wicked paranoia" and delivering a "commanding" presence.

• Themes of Inevitability: Perkins is fascinated by characters who "hold no control over their lives, and that their destiny has been long ago predetermined," a central theme he wished to explore.

• Subtle Hints of Dark Comedy: While fundamentally a horror film, Perkins infused "moments of unexpected deadpan humor," subtly hinting at a comedic sensibility that is more overtly explored in his subsequent works.

• Personal Inspiration: The film was partly inspired by his mother's approach to shielding his father Anthony Perkins's sexuality, hinting at themes of hidden truths and manipulative protection within families.

Themes: The Intertwined Roots of Evil and Predestination

• Predetermined Fate and Inevitability: A core theme is the unsettling idea that one's life path might be manipulated by "outside forces" or that destiny is "long ago predetermined," leaving characters with little control.

• Generational Evil: The film explores the horrifying legacy of evil passed down through families, particularly the insidious nature of familial complicity and hidden dark secrets.

• The Occult and Demonic Influence: The presence of occult symbols, coded messages, and demonic voices points to supernatural forces at play, driving the horrific acts within the narrative.

• Trauma and Memory Repression: Lee Harker's personal connection to Longlegs, hidden by a magical doll and repressed memories, highlights the psychological impact of trauma and the mind's mechanisms for coping.

• Identity and Connection to Evil: The protagonist's shocking discovery of her intimate link to the serial killer forces a re-evaluation of her own identity and purpose.

• The Nature of Evil: The film delves into a chilling portrayal of evil that is both human and inhuman, suggesting it is a pervasive, manipulative force rather than just individual malice.

• Deception and Hidden Realities: The narrative constantly peels back layers of deception, revealing a hidden, sinister reality beneath the mundane surface of suburban life.

Key Success Factors: A Masterclass in Atmospheric Horror

• Osgood Perkins' Distinct Vision: His unique and confident directorial style, prioritizing atmosphere, cryptic storytelling, and psychological dread, is widely praised.

• Phenomenal Lead Performances: Maika Monroe's portrayal of Agent Lee Harker is lauded for its intelligence and vulnerability, while Nicolas Cage's "terrifying" and "commanding" presence as Longlegs is a standout.

• Expert Cinematography: Andrés Arochi Tinajero's use of aspect ratio shifts, unsettling framing, and color palettes significantly contributes to the film's eerie aesthetic.

• Effective Sound Design and Score: The film's "chilling sounds" and unsettling score (by Zilgi) enhance the pervasive sense of dread, burrowing into the viewer's mind.

• Buzz and Marketing: NEON's highly effective, cryptic marketing campaign successfully built immense anticipation and intrigue around the film's release.

• Genre-Pushing Narrative: It delivers a horror experience that defies easy categorization, blending serial killer procedural with occult horror and psychological thriller elements.

Summary Short: Box Office Triumph and Critical Acclaim Longlegs (2024) achieved significant box office success, grossing over $127 million worldwide on a budget of $10 million. It received overwhelmingly positive critical reception, with an 86% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.2/10 on IMDb, hailed as a "deeply chilling movie" and a "masterpiece of atmosphere." Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage's performances were particularly lauded. The film premiered theatrically on July 12, 2024, with its PVOD release on August 23, 2024, and SVOD on Hulu on February 14, 2025.

Awards & Nominations: A Trail of Early Accolades Longlegs (2024) has garnered significant recognition and nominations, particularly in genre-specific awards.

• 52nd Saturn Awards:

  • Winner: Best Horror Film

  • Nominated: Best Writing (Osgood Perkins)

  • Nominated: Best Supporting Actor (Nicolas Cage)

  • Nominated: Best Film Production Design (Danny Vermette)

  • Nominated: Best Make-Up (Felix Fox, Madelaine Hermans)

• 56th NAACP Image Awards 2024:

  • Nominated: Outstanding Cinematography (Andrés Arochi)

• Bandung Film Festival: Received a nomination for Imported Film.

Critics Reception: A Chorus of Appraise for Perkins' Vision Longlegs has received overwhelmingly positive critical reception, particularly lauded for its unique atmospheric horror and strong performances. It holds an 86% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.2/10 on IMDb.

• Local10.com: Praised the "absolute mastery" of Andrés Arochi's cinematography and the "acting by the central cast, notably Nicholas Cage, who disappears into his role." They highlighted the "stylistic choices, flipping from a 1.33:1 aspect ratio to the ultra-wide 2.39:1 to communicate past and present," and overall found it a "good story with some truly captivating elements."

• Loud And Clear Reviews: Described it as an "Exquisite Trip to Hell," praising Osgood Perkins' "singular and confident" vision for building a tone that "perfectly captures the evil nature of the film's themes." They likened it to "Silence of the Lambs and Rosemary's Baby," noting its tension derived from "techniques and sense of atmosphere." Maika Monroe's balancing act as Harker was highlighted, along with Nicolas Cage's "inhuman" and frightening physicality.

• The Independent: While acknowledging the film might not be "as profoundly terrifying as promised" by its marketing for everyone, it called it "still a freaky little thing." They praised how it "suggests its greatest scares, rather than reveal them," and lauded Maika Monroe for settling "into a state of constant awareness that rubs off on her audience."

• Reddit (r/moviereviews): Many users called it a "deeply chilling movie that never lets you feel settled for even a second." Nicolas Cage's portrayal was frequently praised as "terrified by his presence" and "commanding." The direction under Oz Perkins was called "perfection," noting how information is "slowly drip-fed" and forces the viewer to pay attention.

• General Consensus: Critics largely agreed that while it might not deliver traditional scares, its atmospheric dread, stylistic choices, and the powerful performances (especially from Monroe and Cage) make it a highly effective and memorable entry in the horror genre. Some found the plot "a bit thin" or "convoluted," but the overall artistic merit and unsettling experience outweighed these concerns.

Reviews: Audience & Critic Voices: A Haunting and Divisive Cinematic Experience Audience and critic reviews for Longlegs reflect a polarized but generally positive reception, with its unconventional style being a key talking point.

• Rotten Tomatoes: Shows an 86% critic rating, indicating strong positive feedback from professional reviewers, while the audience rating is 62%, suggesting a more mixed but still favorable response from general viewers.

• IMDb: Holds a 7.2/10 rating, based on a significant number of user ratings, indicating generally positive audience reception.

• JustWatch: Shows a 78% approval rating based on 8k user ratings, and a 6.6/10 rating, further supporting a positive view.

• Reddit (r/movies, r/horror): Discussions often feature strong praise ("Loved Longlegs," "The Most Haunting Movie of the Year") alongside some detractors who found the pace "glacial" or the writing "absolute shit in terms of making any sense at all." This suggests the film's unique style resonated powerfully with some, while others struggled with its ambiguity.

• Overall Audience Sentiment: While not universally adored, Longlegs clearly found its audience among horror fans who appreciate a more artistic, atmospheric, and unsettling experience over straightforward scares. Many viewers were captivated by its visuals, performances, and the chilling ambiguity of its narrative, even if it left them with questions.

Box Office: A Stellar Performance for an Indie Horror Longlegs (2024) has been a significant box office success, especially for an independent horror film with a budget of $10 million. It has grossed a worldwide total of $127,961,936. Domestically (USA), it earned $74,346,140, making it the highest-grossing film distributed by Neon and placing it among the top 60 horror movies of all time at the domestic box office. Its international gross stands at $53,615,796. The film opened strongly with $22,400,119 in its domestic opening weekend across 2,510 theaters on July 12, 2024. This performance indicates a strong return on investment, with its worldwide box office being over 12.5 times its production budget.

Production Summary: Crafting a Modern Horror Masterpiece Longlegs (2024) is an American horror-crime thriller film with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes (101 minutes), produced in 2023. It was written and directed by Osgood Perkins. Nicolas Cage served as a producer through his Saturn Films production company. The film's cinematography was handled by Andrés Arochi Tinajero, and the music was composed by Zilgi.

Production Companies: The Architects of Fear The production companies involved are C2 Motion Picture Group, Saturn Films (Nicolas Cage's company), and Range Media Partners.

Sales Companies: Extending the Shadow's Reach Black Bear International secured international distribution deals for Longlegs at the European Film Market (EFM).

Distribution Companies: Bringing the Nightmare to Global Audiences The domestic distributor in the USA is Neon. International distribution deals were secured with companies including Metropolitan for France, DCM for Germany, Rialto for Australia, DeaPlaneta for Spain, and Sun for Latin America. Signature also distributed the film in the UK, becoming Black Bear's highest-grossing title with $10.1 million (£8.1 million).

Release date on streaming: The Digital Unveiling of Terror Longlegs (2024) had its PVOD (Premium Video On Demand) release on August 23, 2024. Its SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) release was on February 14, 2025, available for streaming on Hulu. It is also available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home, and can be streamed for free on Kanopy.

Theatrical Release: A Summer Shiver in Cinemas Longlegs (2024) premiered in theaters on July 12, 2024, in the USA. It also had earlier international release dates, with some territories in APAC and EMEA seeing releases as early as July 10, 2024.

Why to recommend this movie: A Deep Dive into Psychological Terror

• Masterful Atmosphere: If you appreciate horror that relies on pervasive dread, unsettling visuals, and psychological tension rather than jump scares, this film delivers a truly immersive experience.

• Exceptional Performances: Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage deliver compelling and unique performances, with Cage's portrayal of Longlegs being particularly memorable and disturbing.

• Unique Visual Style: The film's distinct cinematography, including shifts in aspect ratio and deliberate framing, creates a visually striking and unsettling aesthetic.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: It delves into complex and disturbing themes of predestination, generational evil, and hidden manipulation, offering more than just surface-level scares.

• Directorial Boldness: Osgood Perkins establishes himself as a singular voice in contemporary horror, crafting a film that is both artful and deeply unsettling.

Why to Watch Movie: For Those Who Crave Unconventional Horror

• You Enjoy Cryptic Narratives: If you prefer films that don't hold your hand and invite you to piece together the mystery and symbolism.

• Appreciate Art-House Horror: If you're drawn to horror that is more about mood, psychology, and artistic expression than traditional genre tropes.

• Nicolas Cage in a Unique Role: Fans of Cage's more unconventional and intense performances will find his portrayal of Longlegs captivating.

• Seeking Genuine Unease: If you want a film that will leave you feeling genuinely disturbed and unsettled long after it ends.

• Intrigued by Occult Mysteries: For those fascinated by stories involving dark rituals, secret societies, and supernatural influence.

Movie Trend: The Resurgence of Elevated & Occult Horror Longlegs (2024) is a prime example of the ongoing trend of "Elevated Horror" or "Arthouse Horror," which emphasizes atmospheric tension, psychological dread, and deeper thematic exploration over traditional jump scares and gore. It firmly aligns with the increasing popularity of "Occult Horror" and films that explore intergenerational trauma and predestination. Furthermore, its unique marketing campaign and strong box office for an independent horror film highlight a growing appetite for "Original and Unconventional Genre Films" that challenge audience expectations.

Social Trend: Confronting Hidden Truths and Generational Burdens The film resonates with several contemporary social trends, particularly a societal fascination with "True Crime" and the darker aspects of human psychology, albeit filtered through a supernatural lens. Its themes of inherited trauma and manipulation tap into a broader cultural discussion around "Generational Baggage" and the impact of unspoken family secrets. The film's cryptic marketing and the discourse it generated also reflect a social trend of "Interactive and Unfolding Narratives" where audiences actively engage with a story's mystery, often amplified by online communities and social media.

Final Verdict: A Haunting Masterpiece That Lingers Longlegs (2024) is a triumph of atmospheric horror, a chilling and meticulously crafted film that firmly establishes Osgood Perkins as a visionary director in the genre. Propelled by Maika Monroe's compelling performance and Nicolas Cage's unsettling portrayal, the film weaves a complex web of occult mystery and inherited trauma. Its deliberate pacing and cryptic narrative demand active engagement but reward viewers with a profoundly unsettling experience that resonates long after the credits roll, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about and impactful horror films of the year.

Recommendations for film makers: Crafting Authentic Artistic Journeys

• Embrace Ambiguity and Suggestion: Focus on implying horror and unsettling concepts rather than explicit revelations, allowing the audience's imagination to fill in the most terrifying gaps.

• Prioritize Atmosphere and Sound Design: Recognize that mood, tension, and sound can be more potent than jump scares in creating lasting dread.

• Utilize Visual Storytelling: Employ unique cinematography, lighting, and production design to convey themes and psychological states, allowing visuals to speak as loudly as dialogue.

• Challenge Narrative Conventions: Don't be afraid to deviate from typical plot structures; a non-linear or fragmented approach can enhance mystery and emotional impact.

• Cultivate Iconic Performances: Collaborate closely with actors to develop truly unique and memorable character portrayals that transcend typical genre roles.

Recommendations for movie industry: Cultivating the Future of Fear

• Support Visionary Genre Directors: Invest in filmmakers like Osgood Perkins who are pushing the boundaries of horror with distinctive artistic visions and intelligent narratives.

• Embrace Cryptic Marketing: Leverage unconventional and intriguing marketing campaigns that build buzz and intrigue without giving away too much, fostering audience engagement.

• Recognize the Power of Atmosphere: Promote and value horror films that prioritize psychological depth and sustained dread, appealing to a growing segment of genre fans.

• Diversify Horror Offerings: Support a wide range of horror subgenres, from supernatural thrillers to psychological terrors, to cater to diverse audience tastes.

• Value Critical Discourse: Acknowledge that films prompting strong critical and audience discussion, even if divisive, often indicate a significant cultural impact and potential for cult status.

Final Conclusions: The Unforgettable Echo of Longlegs Longlegs (2024) stands as a testament to the unsettling power of atmospheric horror, a film that defies easy categorization and leaves a lasting, chilling impression. Osgood Perkins' masterful direction, coupled with the compelling performances of Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, creates a deeply disturbing journey into a world where evil is ancient, personal, and inescapable. This is not just a movie; it's an experience that burrows into the subconscious, solidifying its place as a standout and truly unforgettable horror film of its time.