Introduction
The teasers for Longlegs were unlike many psychological thrillers of recent times. Its short, clipped trailers concluded with features of the language Longlegs or ‘Cobble’ uses in the film. Thus, hinting at its satanic indulgence and creating a cult following before the film’s release. Teased as an iconic, revolutionary psychological horror unlike those before, perhaps the well-thought-out and specifically cultivated marketing for the film set its success too high. For while the intensive buzz for Longlegs remains (and some even claim it to be ‘nightmare fuel, for many), the film fell short of prior expectations.
Setting the Tone
Nicolas Cage’s return to the screen was greatly anticipated and guaranteed success, aiding the success of Longlegs. However, the film seems to have fallen short of its promised scary and disturbing nature. Failing all other motifs, Cage’s prosthetic face, ghastly voice, manic screams, and satanic interest provide the film’s horror. Also, as he is hidden from viewers’ eyes before the screening, it’s clear the horrific impact Cage’s prosthetic face has had on the film’s overall impact. He’s a truly terrifying villain.
From the first frame the chilling tone of Longlegs is set, and an indescribable sense of fear and danger is instilled. This is because you don’t know exactly what you’re scared of as an audience. Longlegs’ (Cage) first appearance comes through the eyes of a child, who we don’t yet know. This harsh contrast of childhood innocence and Longlegs’ corruption and satanic evil, sets the tone for the film’s freaky and unpredictable nature. It’s certain to leave even the biggest horror fans in a state of limbo.
Premise
Split into three chapters, Longlegs has a clever, sophisticated styling that aids its unsettling atmosphere and creates an immersive experience. The viewer travels alongside FBI agent Harker (Maika Monroe) to uncover the truth of Longlegs’ work and accomplice. We’re kept captivated, as an audience, as Harker investigates and discovers the reality of the crimes committed and their satanic motivations and power.
Additionally, flashbacks to a young 9-year-old Harker foreshadow the film’s plot and revelations. It also suggests Agent Harker’s lifelong involvement in uncovering the killer, which is also simultaneous to the uncovering of the Harker family’s best-kept secret.
Working alongside Agent Carter (Blair Underwood), Harker’s seemingly psychic abilities and highly intuitive nature, are hinted to be something a bit more sinister – intriguing for a main character. Harker is instantly connected and intuitive in her investigation. She also effectively cracks the coded language used by Longlegs (and used in the trailers and marketing campaigns). These clues are left behind at each murder scene.
Harker’s almost instantaneous ability to successfully investigate the previously impossible creates a further sense of her attachment and ability. As a result, this, in turn, uncovers satanic worship and Harker’s realization that Longlegs’ use of satanic power and devil worship is causing the murder-suicides of innocent families.
Analysis
Throughout the film, we see inverted triangle structures and symbols with occult significance. These satanic motifs and the use of masculine power are links to Longlegs’ own male identity and that of the devil. Longlegs’ artistic ability in doll making, further contributes to the oxymoronic nature of his evil and the innocence of childhood and toys. It also shows the extent of his demented and chilling nature.
Harker’s intuition and innate instinct aid her comfortably throughout the investigation, which concludes with the revelation of the decades-long unsolved mass murders and the downfall of both agents’ families. This furthers Longleg’s power and destruction, ultimately contributing to his position as an iconic horror villain.
Cages’ return to screen, and specifically, psychological thrillers has been a successful, sought-after, and widely talked about one. Some even comment on it as his best performance in recent years. Maika Monroe, star of The Stranger and It Follows has been compared to Mia Goth as an iconic face within the genre of female psychological horror. Despite this, for many horror worshippers, the film falls short of exceptional. Especially considering the intricate level of marketing and anticipation curated through the movie’s trailers and promotion.
While the characters of Longlegs and Harker’s dark family secret both embody and present satanic power and horror, the film ultimately falls short of scratching the satanic itch that is embedded via its marketing campaign. The result is a lackluster viewing experience and an uncomfortable feeling to leave the screening with.
Conclusion (and SPOILERS!)
Overall, is Longlegs the horror film of the year? Probably not. Did it live up to the marketed hype? Not really. Was it nonetheless iconic, sparking online hype, and memes, and effectively resurrecting Nicolas Cage’s career? Absolutely. The potential for a sequel was imminent, until the horrifically gory suicide of Longlegs, via the use of the FBI interrogation table. A calculated and premature death for a potentially iconic horror villain. Ultimately, whether you loved it, hated it, or appreciated its ‘mid’ quality, the reception and success of Longlegs has claimed its spot as a cult classic amongst satanic psychological horror, and is, therefore, a worthy watch (though not alone).
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