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Longlegs: A Creepy Visual Feast That Struggles to Find Its Footing

Longlegs was a difficult movie for me to review because it’s caught in a tug-of-war between two very different horror styles. On one hand, it seems to want to be a crime thriller in the vein of Silence of the Lambs, while on the other, it flirts with the supernatural horror of The Exorcist. Both of these films are iconic in their own rights, but they don’t belong together, and that’s where Longlegs falters IMO.

Image by Wikipedia

Artistic Vision: A Visual Standout

Right away, I noticed that Longlegs is shot differently than most modern films. The artistic choices, especially the shift between the 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, gave the older footage a genuinely vintage feel. This was a clever touch that added depth and atmosphere, making the movie visually compelling in a way that’s rare today.

Image curtesy of Longlegs by C2 Motion Picture Group

Missed Potential: A Grounded Horror That Never Was

Personally, I would have loved if the film had hinted at a supernatural presence only to reveal that it was a sadistic serial killer all along. That kind of grounded twist would have pushed the envelope and given the story more impact. Unfortunately, Longlegs doesn’t go that route, leaving me wanting more from its narrative.

Image by The Ringer

A Creepy But Predictable Ride

The film certainly has its creepy moments, but it’s not as terrifying as the hype suggests. There are flashes of suspense, but nothing that truly stands out. The premise—a young FBI agent drawn into a case that’s far beyond her depth—had promise, but the supernatural elements didn’t quite land for me. If I’m watching a crime thriller, I want the suspense to come from the investigation, not half-hearted hints at the paranormal.

Image by Bloody Disgusting

Nicolas Cage: A Surprising Performance

One area where Longlegs shines is in its acting, particularly Nicolas Cage’s performance. He fully immerses himself in the role of Longlegs, revealing a creepy side that’s rare to see from him. Despite his extensive horror background, this role felt different, and his discomfort actually added to the unsettling nature of his character. It was a pleasant surprise in an otherwise predictable movie.

Image by Gizmodo

Predictability: The Plot’s Downfall

Unfortunately, after the first 20 minutes, the film’s direction becomes all too clear. Once you figure out the central twist, it’s easy to see where everything is headed. This predictability is a real shame, especially for a film that’s so unique in its visual style. You’d hope the story would follow suit, but instead, it plays out in a disappointingly familiar way.

Image by Polygon

Final Thoughts

Longlegs is a visually interesting attempt at blending two horror sub-genres, but it fails to commit fully to either, resulting in a film that’s neither here nor there. It’s not without merit, particularly in its cinematography and Cage’s performance, but it doesn’t do enough to stand out in a crowded genre.

Final Score: 5 out of 10

Pros:

  • Artistic Cinematography: The unique shooting style, with its aspect ratio shifts, adds an eerie, vintage atmosphere.
  • Strong Acting: Nicolas Cage delivers a creepy, compelling performance that’s a highlight of the film.
  • Interesting Premise: The mix of crime thriller and supernatural horror offers an intriguing setup.

Cons:

  • Identity Crisis: The film struggles to decide between being a supernatural thriller or a crime drama, resulting in a lack of focus.
  • Predictability: After the initial setup, the plot becomes too easy to predict, diminishing the suspense.
  • Supernatural Element: The paranormal hints feel underdeveloped, making the story less impactful.
  • Missed Opportunity for a Twist: A more grounded twist revealing the horror as entirely human would have added psychological depth.

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