How scary is Longlegs? Everything to know about the film starring Nicolas Cage

Osgood Perkins' latest horror thriller, Longlegs, has taken the world by storm. The film, which just hit theaters yesterday on July 12, 2024, focuses on an FBI agent called Lee Harker who is assigned to a case to arrest and capture the titular serial killer. From occultism to nail-biting thrills, the film has it all, but the question remains: is it scary enough?

Note: The article contains the author's own views, and some light spoilers might be mentioned.

While Longlegs, which stars Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, has been described as a horror thriller, it isn't exactly scary in the traditional sense. While the film has the creeps with its occult imagery and various uncomfortable scenes that will crawl under your skin, the film still operated fairly well as a thriller that has more in common with movies like Prisoners and Insomnia, but with a supernatural twist.

It's more of a dreadful feeling that keeps lingering with you that is reminiscent of films like It Follows and The VVitch than something that is more obvious, like Evil Dead Rise.

---

Is Longlegs scary?

The film does have its scares, thanks to Nicolas Cage

Nicholas Cage as the titular serial killer (Image via NEON, Official trailer for the film, 00:49)

What Longlegs has in abundance is creepy imagery. That's what makes the bulk of the film seem interesting. The film portrays its titular serial killer, played by Nicolas Cage, as a man who is doing the bidding for the devil. Referring to the "man downstairs" for the entirety of the film, Cage brings a real sense of uneasiness here that will have you flinching whenever he is on screen.

That's partly thanks to the makeup and prosthetic work done on him. Portraying a pale and disfigured man, Cage's usual over-the-topness makes for a great atmosphere that helps bring the chills, and while the character helps deliver a few good jumpscares, the film doesn't teeter into the realm of wanting to make its horror seem in your face. Rather, it opts for something much subtler.

---

The film maintains a great creepy atmosphere

Maika Monroe as Lee Harker (Image via NEON, Official trailer for the film, 00:26)

The bulk of the creepiness of the film is derived from the occult atmosphere it maintains throughout its runtime. While it starts off as an FBI procedural with Lee Harker investigating the case of the serial killer, it slowly starts diving into themes of satanism and occultist killings, with the serial killer also leaving notes at where the victims were murdered.

Not to mention, a dark shadowy figure is present in the background of many scenes as well, and the film has its fair share of blood and bodies covered in maggots, so the images will stick with you once the credits are done rolling.

---

The film also operates fairly well as a thriller

A still from Longlegs (Image via NEON, Official trailer for the film, 01:26)

The movie is also a good thriller on its own. While the creepiness can take a backseat a few times, the central mystery remains as thrilling as ever. It's the investigation into the serial killer that makes the journey worth sitting through, and Maika Monroe also gives a brilliant performance that helps keep viewers engaged.

It's especially interesting to see how the story eventually ties into Harker's past, and that's perhaps what the film does the best.

---

Cast of Longlegs

Here is the main cast of the film:

• Maika Monroe as Lee Harker
• Lauren Acala as young Lee Harker
• Nicolas Cage as Longlegs
• Blair Underwood as Agent Carter
• Alicia Witt as Ruth Harker
• Michelle Choi-Lee as Agent Browning
• Dakota Daulby as Agent Horatio Fisk
• Kiernan Shipka as Carrie Anne Camera

---

What is Longlegs about?

The Osgood Perkins-directed horror-thriller is a film that follows an FBI investigation into a serial killer. The film sees Agent Lee Harker take on the case; however, soon she realizes that the victims are part of an occult killing and that she might also share a connection with the killer. The official synopsis, as per NEON, reads:

"In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree."

---

The film is currently running in theatres.