As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I must say that one of the most intriguing horror films that sent shivers down spines in 2024 was none other than Longlegs. This movie generated a lot of buzz even before it graced our screens, thanks to its mysterious and tantalizing marketing strategy. The trailers for this movie cleverly refrained from revealing Nicolas Cage’s chilling portrayal as the titular serial killer, instead focusing on creating an atmosphere that mirrored the film’s somber and ominous tone.
The enigmatic Osgood Perkins, Longlegs‘s writer and director, was hardly a familiar name in the limelight, but die-hard indie horror fans were ecstatic at the prospect of witnessing him step into the spotlight. Fast forward to less than a year later, and Perkins’s subsequent work, The Monkey, revealed an entirely new dimension to his storytelling prowess.
Reflecting on the release of “The Monkey” in theaters, we take a look back at Guillermo del Toro’s career, where he consistently captivates horror enthusiasts with unique and thought-provoking horror movies that stand out from the crowd. Each film brings its own set of strengths and distinct viewpoints, making them all worth considering.
5) I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House
In a possible rephrasing: The second movie directed by Perkins, titled “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House,” had the chance to draw significant attention due to its Netflix debut. Yet, the film’s unique content and low-key release on the streaming service in 2016 led to it being mostly ignored by audiences.
In the movie, Ruth Wilson takes on the role of a live-in caregiver who becomes increasingly convinced that her patient’s house is inhabited by a ghost. The ghost makes occasional appearances in the home, portrayed by Lucy Boynton. This film is intentionally slow-paced and emphasizes chilling and suspenseful scares rather than intense fear, but its subtle approach and intimate setting can sometimes make it difficult for viewers to follow the storyline closely. Despite its flaws, the movie has some appealing aspects and memorable scenes, yet it may be too understated for many audiences.
4) Gretel & Hansel
In contrast to recent independent filmmakers who give dark twists to beloved family characters such as Winnie-the-Pooh and Bambi, Perkins chose to create a more genuine and terrifying adaptation of Hansel and Gretel decades ago. Although the story has been portrayed in a lighter manner for centuries, Perkins focused on the underlying fear associated with a witch who abducts children to consume them.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Brothers Grimm tale, Perkins’ interpretation presents an eerier and more ominous atmosphere compared to other adaptations of this theme. The movie largely sticks to the original storyline, following Gretel (Sophia Lillis) and Hansel (Sam Leakey) as they find themselves lost in the woods and captured by a witch (Alice Krige). Much like his previous work, Gretel & Hansel boasts stunning visuals that push boundaries, immersing viewers in this chilling and enchanting world. While the plot may not offer many unexpected twists, the authentic portrayal of a fairytale rooted in its dark origins makes it a compelling watch.
3) The Monkey
Drawing inspiration from Stephen King’s short story titled “The Monkey,” this narrative revolves around two identical brothers (portrayed by Theo James) who receive an unsettling wind-up toy monkey as an inheritance from their father. What makes the toy particularly chilling is not only its eerie appearance, but also the fact that whenever someone winds it up to play its drum, a peculiar and gruesome demise follows suit.
In interviews promoting his films, Perkins humorously admits to his affinity for dark comedy. Consequently, “The Monkey” cleverly showcases this preference while offering viewers a symbolic exploration of intergenerational turmoil. Laughter abounds as audiences witness the witty exchanges between the twins or observe the numerous instances where humans transform into blood-filled clouds.
2) Longlegs
The remarkable ability of Perkins as a visual storyteller was clearly demonstrated by the intense fear generated among viewers during the marketing campaign for the movie “Longlegs”. This fear was skillfully cultivated through collections of eerie scenes from the film, which sparked significant excitement and anticipation about the project.
In this film, I, an FBI agent named Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), find myself pursuing a notorious, elusive murderer, played by Nicolas Cage. Despite his crimes leaving no tangible proof, he continues to evade capture. As I delve deeper into the investigation, I find myself inexorably drawn towards Longlegs, both geographically and symbolically, as I unearth an unanticipated connection that makes me the ideal candidate for apprehending this killer.
Frequently, Perkins made it clear that his movie aimed to be a compilation of chilling horror motifs, drawing on the atmospheric and narrative aspects of ’90s masterpieces such as “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Seven.” However, he creatively reworked these influences into something both unsettling and ingenious. The film was also filled with elements of the supernatural, cult mysteries, eerie dolls, and an outstanding performance from Cage, resulting in a gripping and relatable journey into fear.
1) The Blackcoat’s Daughter
Among all the movies made by Perkins, each has its unique impact, but it’s his initial foray into horror that stands as his greatest success.
During a winter holiday at a girls’ boarding school, titled “February“, Katherine (Kiernan Shipka) and Rose (Lucy Boynton) form an unlikely bond due to their shared predicament of being left behind while most of their peers have departed. As they deepen their connection, Rose becomes increasingly worried about Katherine’s peculiar actions. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Joan (Emma Roberts) is seen thumbing a ride back towards the school, hinting at secret intentions.
The movie “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” is unsettling and foreboding, as Perkins masterfully employs his knack for measured pacing to gradually build tension. He subtly sprinkles a few spine-tingling hints that foreshadow a shocking climax and plot twist. His first film showcases his command over pacing, storytelling, and cinematography, making the viewing experience as chilling and nerve-wracking as if we were trapped in that boarding school ourselves. Given the impressive impact of his directorial debut, it’s no wonder that many of Perkins’ horror films have been moderately to highly effective, although none have yet equaled the achievements of “The Blackcoat’s Daughter.
Read More
- EUR JPY PREDICTION
- DF PREDICTION. DF cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- Doctor Strange’s Shocking Return in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday Revealed!
- COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
- ASTR PREDICTION. ASTR cryptocurrency
- USD MXN PREDICTION
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- XDC PREDICTION. XDC cryptocurrency
- YFI PREDICTION. YFI cryptocurrency
2025-02-23 17:10