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Longlegs (2024)

 

Longlegs is about an occult serial killer who has a connection to the FBI agent/main character who pursues him.

This is the best horror movie since 2022's Pearl which was done by A24. This film is NEON's high-brow attempt at elevated horror. Oz Perkins directed Gretel & Hansel back in 2020 which was okay and without his writing. He has outdone himself in both writing and direction this time around. His eye motion tracking is stellar and his tension-building is easily one of the best this decade. 

I'm not sure anyone else could have played the main character. Maika Monroe made the character feel so much with just a look or delivery of minimalistic dialogue. I've been following her since 2014 when she did It Follows, and her acting has only improved. Speaking of which, she was reprising her role for the upcoming sequel They Follow.

Nicolas Cage, the legend, plays the serial killer Longlegs. He has makeup on and the only way you really know it's him is the delivery of maddening psychopathic screaming and singing. While it's not in his top five performances, this film is. His best being Gone in 60 Seconds, of course.

The film has scares, terror, and some gore. The trifecta of good horror. It's the best film of the year so far and has a really terrifying message. Result: A

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