Longlegs 2024 Watch on fmovies

Finding truly good horror films these days is no easy task. While what scares one person may not affect another, many mainstream releases often feel tired and predictable, relying too heavily on clichéd jump scares and uninspired concepts (like the infamous evil pool water). However, indie studios like Neon occasionally deliver horror films that fulfill their purpose: they genuinely frighten you. Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs is a perfect example of this.

This year, I’ve been lucky enough to watch a few impressive, even outstanding, horror films. Abigail, in particular, is likely to secure a spot on my top 10 list (you have no idea how much I adore that film!), and A Quiet Place: Day One was a thrilling experience. Yet, despite their quality (and in many respects, they may even surpass this film), neither of those movies unsettled or lingered in my mind the way Longlegs did.

It's true that the less you know before diving into Longlegs, the more enjoyable the experience will be. To put it simply, the film follows a young FBI agent, portrayed by Maika Monroe, who is tasked with tracking down a chilling serial killer known as “The Longlegs Killer,” played by Nicolas Cage. As she delves deeper into her investigation, she uncovers some deeply unsettling truths connected to the occult in disturbingly eerie ways.

This movie has an undeniably chilling atmosphere. Nicolas Cage delivers a wildly intense performance, while Perkins’ masterful direction creates a slow-building tension that is truly remarkable. This aspect may be the film's greatest strength. I haven't felt this much stress while watching a movie in years, as each scene escalates the sense of dread. That's a significant compliment for a film of this nature. The deliberate camera movements and eerie lighting establish a mood that makes you squirm in your seat, constantly challenging and then completely upending your expectations. All of this is introduced through a brilliant opening sequence that is terrifying without giving too much away.

This is where the film truly taps into its horror elements. There are no jump scares; instead, it masterfully builds mood and tension, addressing deeply unsettling themes while delivering a significant amount of shock, all with minimal reliance on horror visuals. The scares remain unpredictable, which enhances the experience. However, during the rare instances when the film does showcase disturbing imagery, it sends chills down your spine, leaving haunting visuals that linger long after the film ends.

If Perkins’ direction is the standout feature of this film, the remarkable performances deserve equal recognition, especially those of Monroe, Cage, and Alicia Witt, who portrays Monroe’s mother. While many reviews will likely highlight Cage’s disturbingly effective role as The Longlegs Killer, it’s his unique mannerisms, voice, eccentric behavior, and nightmarish look that contribute to making him one of the most unsettling serial killers in cinematic history. In other films, Cage’s over-the-top style can be amusing, but in this case, his performance is purely disquieting.

 

That said, while Cage will undoubtedly receive a lot of acclaim, I believe this film truly belongs to Monroe. She is undeniably one of the most overlooked actresses in the industry today, and her talents—though exceptional in the horror genre—deserve to shine in all types of films, as she is an extraordinary performer. In her role as Agent Lee Harker, Monroe brings to life a character who has endured significant trauma, leaving her with profound scars. Remarkably, Monroe captures both her character's vulnerability and her fierce determination. She embodies a true hero, and even without many words, there’s a depth of emotion in her eyes and thoughts, whether it’s pain or strength, conveyed through her subtle gestures and expressions. This may very well be the finest performance of her career to date.

I also want to give a huge shout-out to Witt. While I can't reveal too much about the plot—since this is one of those films where less is more—I can confidently say her performance is outstanding. She portrays Agent Harker’s mother, and although I can't share more details, it's clear that Witt's contribution to the film is remarkable. Trust me, she more than holds her own alongside someone like Cage.

 

One of the standout aspects of the film that significantly enhances its ominous atmosphere and tension is the cinematography by Andres Arochi, along with the impressive score from the relatively lesser-known composer, Zilgi. Arochi's ability to frame each shot with muted, gloomy colors draws you into scenarios that would genuinely terrify anyone. The way the camera follows Monroe’s character in a voyeuristic manner, almost as if stalking her from scene to scene, heightens the feeling of unpredictable danger lurking around every corner. When paired with Zilgi’s haunting and unsettling melodies, the entire experience feels steeped in a sense of looming dread.

However, I do have a point to make about Longlegs that might spark some debate, and it happens to be my main criticism of the film. While Perkins excels as a director, he still has room for improvement as a writer. The dialogue and characters are far from poor; in fact, they are quite good. Yet, I believe some aspects of the story feel underdeveloped.

 

By the time the credits rolled, I left the theater feeling quite unsettled—an indication of a genuinely effective horror film. However, I also walked away with numerous questions, largely stemming from confusion about the characters' motivations, particularly regarding why Cage is referred to as “The Longlegs Killer.” While I don’t want to give away any spoilers, it’s disappointing that some fundamental questions remain unanswered, especially concerning his actions. I found the movie enjoyable and genuinely terrifying, as it is a well-crafted horror experience. Yet, it also felt somewhat like a disorganized “movie-movie.” The more I pondered the plot's logistics, the less coherent it seemed, which is why I believe films like Abigail and A Quiet Place: Day One ultimately excel as movies, even if they don’t match up in the horror department. It’s unfortunate, but while this didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the film or the experience, it did leave me puzzled and shaken.

That said, not every film needs to be a masterpiece. If it accomplishes its goal of leaving the audience feeling completely unnerved and disoriented, then I’d call it a success. The strong performances truly enhance the characters and the world they inhabit, elevating it beyond the screenplay. Following these characters through a series of expertly directed, slow-building sequences filled with intense dread, complemented by an excellent score and cinematography, results in a genuinely alarming horror film that will likely be discussed for years to come. It may not be flawless, but it is undeniably a deeply unsettling and creepy film that will linger in your thoughts for days. Without a doubt, it stands out as the most disturbing and dark horror film of the year.