Nicolas Cage has been on a roll these last five years. He’s now starred in four critically-acclaimed performances, “Mandy,” “Pig,” “Dream Scenario,” and “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.”
He’s undertaking these very unconventional choices and, as a reader told me, “leaning into a trajectory where he gets to play with the persona he’s built and deviating from it simultaneously”.
Up next for Cage, not including this month’s release of “Dream Scenario,” is a NEON-produced film titled “Longlegs” — directed by Oz Perkins, best known for his 2015 indie debut “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” and 2020’s “Gretel & Hansel.”
“Longlegs” test screened on Thursday night and the reactions seem to be split into two camps: love and hate. One thing’s for sure, it sounds like Cage is again swinging for the fences in this one.
It was good. Acquired taste and all especially with the slow burn style, but it’s very unsettling and deeply steeped in the satanic panic of the ‘70s serial killer horror. There’s lots of memorable horror imagery here that’s reminiscent, at times, of similar films like Se7en, Cure, Silence of the Lambs and Zodiac. Cage is so interesting here as the titular serial killer sporting a very disturbing, and true-to-life serial killer look, and the mix of that and his eccentric screen behavior really burrowed under my skin; it’s a performance that will work for some and others might be put off by it, but it is memorable, for sure. Perkins has perfect control over every aspect here that it feels so real and inspired. I almost thought it was based on a real life case. It’s very low on jump scares, but there are two, in particular, here that are so effective and utilize visual/audio tricks I hadn’t seen before, I lept out of my seat.
Here’s the official synopsis for “Longlegs”:
Lee Harker, a talented new FBI agent, has been assigned to an unsolved case of a serial killer. As the investigation becomes more complicated and occult evidence is uncovered, Harker realizes a personal link to the ruthless killer and must act quickly to prevent another family murder.
“Longlegs” stars Cage, Maika Monroe (!!!) and Blair Underwood. It currently has no set release date, but I would imagine a 2024 launch will be happening.
For now, you can look forward to Cage’s best performance in decades as the schlubby professor in A24’s “Dream Scenario.” That film’s getting released on November 10th. It’s well worth a look.
Zeller’s feature debut, “The Father,” was an acclaimed and Oscar-winning film. Many believe he struck out with his sophomore effort, 2022’s critically maligned “The Son.” This is another miss.