Neon is really pushing hard for us to notice by Oz Perkins’ upcoming “Longlegs,” and know what? It’s working. They’ve released three cryptic teasers, a trailer, around half a dozen posters and now they’ve decided to screen the film, two months before its release, for a handful of carefully selected horror-affiliated critics.
It should come as somewhat of a red flag that Neon decided to only screen this one for geeky horror types. That still doesn’t mean it’ll turn out to be a disappointment, but they were very meticulous in selecting who got invited and who didn’t. With that said, here are the six reactions we’ve seen, so far — all posted on X/Twitter:
Get ready y’all because Longlegs is the real deal. Absolutely rancid, cursed vibes that had me scared to enter my dark hotel room. Maika Monroe is stunning and Cage is disturbing. This is Osgood Perkins in top form. A contemporary Silence of the Lambs, methinks.
I was so lucky to see “Longlegs” and no exaggeration: it could be the best horror film of ‘24. Oz Perkins can really get under my skin; this is his masterpiece. Monroe gives a fabulously unique lead performance, and Cage? NIGHTMARISH. Maybe the scariest 1st 10 mins, ever.
LONGLEGS (2024): Holy shit. Oz Perkins has crafted an outstandingly bleak and fiendish investigative thriller. It's so violently evil (). A film that lingers in your thoughts, under your skin, and in the pit of your stomach well after it's over. Perkins' best (so far).
“Longlegs” was unlike anything I could have predicted. It's unsettling and disturbing, never giving the audience a reprieve. Maika Monroe and Nic Cage give standout performances, but Alicia Witt steals the show. Osgood Perkins never misses, and I can promise y'all aren't ready.
LONGLEGS: a mesmerizing horror film that swallows the viewer whole. Enrapturing and seductive, you feel the terror in your bones. Oz Perkins slays; the cast, including Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe, get it on. LONGLEGS is one of the best films of 2024. (Un)Holy Hell!
“Longlegs” builds tension and does not let up, with a an eerie use of colors to enhance dread. Maika Monroe gives a pained performance while Nicholas Cage's maniacal acting cranks up the unrelenting discomfort.
The only journalist I’m familiar with, who attended yesterday’s screening, is Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, and she was really taken by Perkins’ film. Here’s her reaction:
Already quite confident calling #LONGLEGS my favorite Oz Perkins film. Those teasers sell it well. The mystery/unsolved serial killer case is wildly fascinating and HUGELY unnerving. No spoilers, of course, but where things land? I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I tend to get over-obsessed with story details, so was left with some questions … but, as twisted as the scenario is, I kinda love that I can’t stop thinking about it? It’s truly one-of-a-kind but was giving me Sinister vibes — a high compliment given it’s a personal favorite.
Already quite confident calling #LONGLEGS my favorite Oz Perkins film. Those teasers sell it well. The mystery/unsolved serial killer case is wildly fascinating and HUGELY unnerving. No spoilers, of course, but where things land? I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I tend to get over-obsessed with story details, so was left with some questions … but, as twisted as the scenario is, I kinda love that I can’t stop thinking about it? It’s truly one-of-a-kind but was giving me Sinister vibes — a high compliment given it’s a personal favorite.
This does match the very positive intel that came out of last year’s test screening. One of our readers raved about it, saying “It’s very unsettling and deeply steeped in the satanic panic of the ‘70s serial killer horror.”
A 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 of the mise-en-scene 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 leapt out of my seat.
Here’s the official synopsis:
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.
The teasers, trailers and posters hinted at 911 calls, an FBI investigation, and murder. There have been a few blink-and-you'll-miss crime scene shots and some kind of religious component involving prayers, veiled figures, and cults.
“Longlegs” stars Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. Production on the film wrapped in March 2023 and, once post-prod was completed, Perkins went on to shoot another film, “The Monkey” — due out in 2025.
Perkins is best known for his 2015 indie debut, “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” and 2020’s “Gretel & Hansel.” “Longlegs” actually screened at last year’s EFM market in Berlin, where a bidding war ensued for its rights — Neon prevailed.
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