Longlegs [DVD]

8 reviews for Longlegs [DVD]

1. 

   maciora – September 9, 2024

   A beautifully made horror film
   This film sustains a prolonged, quiet dread, carefully crafted to make those moments of fierce shock truly unnerving. While some may find it slow, I felt it was perfectly timed to match the contemplative personality of the main character, an introverted rookie detective with the FBI (played by Maika Monroe).We follow her as she joins a long-running investigation into a series of baffling murders.What makes this film so riveting is the conviction of all the performers and the filmmaker’s deft skill in creating a unique tone for the film. The cinematography is remarkable, but it feels understated. The sound design and music help combine all the elements into a truly uncomfortable vision. Having seen the director Oz Perkins’ other films, namely, “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” and “Gretel and Hansel,” one can tell he has a distinctive personal and artistic fingerprint that rewards viewers who appreciate subtlety and details.This viewer found the movie-watching experience, and particularly the tone, delicious, wishing it would continue long after the credits were rolling. Highly recommended!

2. 

   Austin – September 9, 2024

   Do not believe the hype.
   Typically, when critics and fans agree on a film, it’s never good. I fell for the hype, and actually believed this movie was a “modern take on Silence of the Lambs”, which I and others, consider a masterpiece. After finishing Longlegs, it is anything but a masterpiece. Longlegs presents itself as a horror movie with crime-thriller aspects, but it doesn’t really work as either. The atmosphere/tone and camerawork definitely deserve praise, but that’s really where any good I can say about the movie ends. Nonsensical writing, hand-waved away as “magic”, and odd directing choices really make this movie a head-scratcher. The last 30 minutes of the movie also ruins any goodwill the first hour or so built up. Side note, because I know people will wanna know, Nic Cage was genuinely creepy at times when he wasn’t almost making me wanna laugh with his over the top acting.

3. 

   Rob St Amant – September 9, 2024

   Did you hear that?
   A key factor in the effectiveness of the scares in “Longlegs” comes from the immersive sound design. I would highly recommend seeing the movie in theaters for the full experience. Running throughout the movie is an all-out aural assault. The low, almost subliminal sounds blend in with the score, giving the viewer a sense of unease. When the jump scares do happen, the score and undercurrent of sounds collide, loudly, for maximum impact. I’ve been into horror movies since the early 1980s, so a good jump scare is hard for me to come by. “Longlegs” got me twice. Now, the reasons for the four star review? I’m interested in seeing, and hearing, how this translates to a home viewing. Without a surround sound system, I’m afraid some of the impact may be lost. The other reason is for two specific scenes. While Maika Monroe and the criminally underrated Alicia Witt are both fantastic, it’s Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of the serial killer known only as Longlegs that has me on the fence. For the majority of the film, he plays it creepy and subdued, really elevating the tension (even when offscreen). Unfortunately, the Cage has to rage at some point, so a scene of him driving while unleashing the Cage-isms really took me out of the film. Throw in a completely unnecessary pre-credits reprise from Cage, and I left the theater a little unfulfilled. Overall, “Longlegs” is a creepy, ambitious, and purposefully vague spin on the serial killer flick, and should (mostly) satisfy even the most hardcore horror fans.

4. 

   cherrygrove – September 9, 2024

   10/10 not the “scariest movie ever” but full of dread
   No spoilers. But the cinematography was amazing, sound design was very well done. Lots of artsy wide shots, and a TON of hidden background stuff. Pay attention. The performances were fantastic, especially Nicolas Cage. I personally didn’t see the end coming, so I was thoroughly surprised and entertained.Perfect mix of silence of the lambs, hints of zodiac, and nice supernatural twang to it in the same vein as hereditary. Slow(ish) burn, so keep that in mind going in. Doesn’t suffer from the climax curse most modern horror movies have.Never gets too goofy, and the supernatural elements are understated and somewhat vague, so it never feels tired and stupid. This movie is absolutely filled with dread. And you feel somewhat anxious watching it (if you have the right mindset) I feel like younger people might not like it, or “get it”, but if you’re an indie horror movie buff, this is for you. No major complaints, story beats and pacing was spot on. Never dragged, ending was good and tied up mostly everything.

5. 

   Brayden – September 9, 2024

   My movie of the year
   The movie masterfully builds dread and uneasiness and the cinematogrophy is amazing, people seem to be mixed on the final act but I personally enjoyed every second of the movie. Nic Cage is an absolute scene stealer and Maika Monroe is a bit more subtle with her performance but she nails the introverted type perfectly.

6. 

   JFM – September 9, 2024

   Doesn’t live up to the hype surrounding it
   The movie has captivating imagery but very little else going for it. For the most part, the direction is disjointed and uninspired, creating a horror film without any real scares.

7. 

   Todd H – September 9, 2024

   Good movie would be better without Nic Cage
   Wonderfully shot and well made but I had a hard time buying Nic Cage as his character. He’s just been too over the top too many times for me to see him in this role

8. 

   Amanda P – September 9, 2024

   Best Horror This Year
   This movie is incredible. It’s beautifully shot, and absolutely terrifying. As a horror movie connoisseur, I was so excited to see the trailer for this, and it did NOT disappoint!