Longlegs

When marketing is this effective, it's easy to suspect a rip-off, but that's not the case with the highly anticipated and much-publicised 'Longlegs'.

This 2024 thriller-horror, directed by Oz Perkins, delivers an eerie atmosphere and evocative storytelling that are the director's trademarks. Perkins’ sophisticated style seamlessly blends psychological horror with a narrative that subtly and insidiously lodges itself in the viewer’s mind.

Structured in three acts, the film follows a detective as she unravels a dark and sinister case involving a grotesque figure known as Longlegs. Nicolas Cage, almost unrecognisable but perfectly cast, brings the character to life in a way that is more mesmerising than terrifying. The film delves into elements of Satanism and the occult, exploring themes of power, trauma, and the evil entrenched in society, serving as a metaphor for corruption and the loss of innocence.

The narrative centres on the investigation to catch the killer, but this aspect serves more as a tool to dig deep into the characters' dark sides and vulnerabilities.

The director appears more intrigued by exploring ancestral fears and buried traumas than delivering a straightforward 'witch hunt'. The use of satanic-religious themes not only creates an unsettling atmosphere but also offers insights into the characters' psyches and their relationship with evil.

The film is a slow-burn, deliberate pacing steadily builds tension, avoiding abrupt climaxes, and forging a compelling connection between the on-screen events and the audience.

The introduction of occultism becomes the true driving force of the plot, adding layers of mystery around the killer and his motives, gradually revealing itself. Symbols, rituals, and mysterious figures further intensify the sense of dread, feeding on the fear of the unknown and the incomprehensible.

The narrative masterfully destabilises the viewer, urging them to question the reality of the depicted events. An undefined malevolence renders the story ambiguous, opening multiple interpretations about what is real and what is merely a manifestation of the character's inner darkness. Longlegs character becomes almost a symbol of their deepest fears and secrets, which they desperately try to suppress or forget.

This effect is heightened by the movie's dark and claustrophobic setting, where expert use of light and shadows amplifies the tension and sense of perpetual danger. The frequent use of static shots further enhances the atmosphere, transforming the environment into a dreamlike, or rather, nightmarish, realm where every detail contributes to a growing anxious tension.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Longlegs" is its exploration of Satanism about the human psyche. Perkins seems to suggest that evil is not an external force but something that emerges from within, a direct result of trauma and emotional wounds.

The killer can be seen as a physical embodiment of psychic evil, bringing otherworldly malevolence into the real world. His connection to this dark force might symbolise his struggle to understand his depravity, using ancient rituals and beliefs to channel and express his inner turmoil and hatred.

"Longlegs" openly draws inspiration from 90s cinema yet cleverly avoids the pitfalls of over-reliance on clichés. Instead, it forges a unique path in modern film, masterfully blending elements of killer-focused thrillers with satanic horror.

The result is a compelling feature that delves into the challenge of escaping the past and how unresolved history can re-emerge in destructive ways.