One Year Later, I Changed My Mind About Nicolas Cage Horror Movie Longlegs

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Heed this notice: The following article discloses SPOILERS for the movie “Longlegs”. A year has passed since the film’s debut, and my initial thoughts about this much-anticipated Nicolas Cage horror have shifted significantly. Prior to its 2024 premiere, “Longlegs” was met with a whirlwind of excitement, a reflection of its groundbreaking and mesmerizing promotional strategy. Directed by Osgood Perkins, the film garnered widespread acclaim initially. As reviews for “Longlegs” started to flood in, many noted similarities between this production and classic horrors like “The Silence of the Lambs” or the more recent chiller “Se7en”. Despite some shared elements, “Longlegs” suffers from several issues.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must say that the enigmatic ending of “Longlegs” leaves a tantalizing possibility for a sequel on the table, though its production remains shrouded in uncertainty. Maika Monroe delivers a commendable portrayal of Agent Lee Harker and her deep-seated conflicts, but it’s Nicolas Cage’s chilling performance as the horror character that truly steals the show in “Longlegs”. This film leans heavily on Cage’s captivating presence, with a substantial portion of its marketing efforts geared towards capitalizing on his prominent role. However, a year after its release, while the movie was successful, the unvarnished truth about Cage’s appearance means that “Longlegs” didn’t quite reach the heights promised by its promotional hype.

Longlegs’ Appearance Wasn’t Really As Scary As Its Marketing Suggested

Longlegs Is Not Necessarily Nicolas Cage’s Scariest Role

In a truly innovative approach to advertising, Longlegs’ campaign was orchestrated by Neon Studios, an autonomous production house. Their promotional endeavor leaned heavily on a digital, viral tactic, comprising several intriguing facets. One key element was strategically placing billboards with unnerving visuals and a phone number that broadcasted pre-recorded messages from Nicolas Cage upon being dialed.

Remarkably, the Longlegs advertisement deliberately omitted Nicolas Cage, a move that has since been labeled as “a masterclass in horror movie marketing” (Medium.) This clever maneuver skillfully cultivated suspense, immediately captivating viewers who then became deeply engrossed.

Drawing inspiration from the legendary film Jaws, my approach for promoting Longlegs has been dubbed as the “Jaws-like influence” by publications like The Daily Jaws. Although this strategy brought great success and intrigue, I must admit that Longlegs didn’t entirely live up to its fearsome reputation, once the suspense had been resolved. While the movie undeniably generated anticipation for Nicolas Cage’s transformation in Longlegs, upon reflection, its lasting impact primarily relies on an unnerving demeanor and pale complexion, which, in truth, may not be the most terrifying aspect of a horror film.

The Real Problem With Longlegs Is The Movie’s Stuffed Plot

Longlegs Overextended Itself With Its Narrative

The main issue with “Longlegs” lies in its complex structure, making Cage’s horror film less effective. By attempting to combine multiple genres, it neglects the central enigma, resulting in a weaker conclusion. Initially positioned as a gritty serial-killer thriller similar to “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Longlegs” gradually transitions into supernatural territory as the story progresses. It is eventually revealed that the antagonist isn’t just a serial killer but a servant of Satan, leading a cult and using possessed dolls to manipulate victims into committing familicide.

In addition to this, the narrative often shifts focus from Agent Lee Harker’s FBI investigation into a serial killer, where she concurrently unearths her buried memories and a hidden family truth. The film, titled Longlegs, finds it challenging to adhere to a single genre and instead fluctuates between psychological suspense, true crime exploration, and outright supernatural terror. This inconsistency weakens the film’s narrative cohesion and detracts from the tone that was initially presented in its promotional materials. Undeniably, this approach makes Longlegs appear less terrifying and reduces the impact of the antagonist, who influences others rather than directly committing the murders themselves.

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2025-06-05 21:00