Longlegs: Neon’s $3M Record-Breaker opening – Watch, Reviews, and Breakdown

Longlegs, the latest horror thriller from writer-director Osgood Perkins, is a cinematic masterpiece that has left audiences reeling with its unsettling atmosphere and masterful storytelling. The film, starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, has been generating significant buzz and anticipation, with its unique blend of occult themes, dreamlike visuals, and eerie performances.

Longlegs Sets New Neon Preview Record

Longlegs, a scary movie by Osgood Perkins, had a great start at the box office. Neon, an indie film studio, broke its record with $3 million from Thursday night previews.

Anticipation and Buzz for Longlegs

There’s a lot of excitement about Longlegs. The movie’s marketing has been smart, even having special screenings with “bloody nuns” as chaperones. Critics love it too, giving it a 92% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

What to Expect from Longlegs

In Longlegs, Maika Monroe plays FBI agent Lee Harker, investigating brutal murders connected to a satanic killer. Nicolas Cage plays the chilling killer, making a big impact with his limited screen time.

Longlegs promises to be a standout horror film of 2024, praised for its acting, directing, and creepy atmosphere.

Review Summary And Breakdown 

Key Moments in Longlegs

Anticipation and Excitement

The anticipation and excitement surrounding Longlegs are palpable. The film marks a significant moment for director Osgood Perkins, elevating his status in the film industry. The anticipation and buzz around the movie, as well as the unexpected exclusion of Nicolas Cage from marketing, contributed to its unique and exciting appeal.

Nicholas Cage’s Unsettling Performance

Nicholas Cage’s performance in Longlegs is deeply unsettling, evoking comparisons to other serial killer movies. The character of Longlegs, with his pale, white complexion and long stringy gray hair, is a chilling presence. The way he moves and interacts with others in the film sets him apart, contributing to the unsettling tone of the movie and enhancing the overall mysterious and suspenseful narrative.

Comparisons to Other Horror Classics

Comparisons to other serial killer movies like Silence of the Lambs, Seven, and Zodiac are inevitable. However, Longlegs also draws similarities to ‘Cure’ with its surreal imagery and hypnotic qualities. The character of Lee Harker, portrayed by Maika Monroe, adds depth to the story with her mysterious vibe and unique ability to understand the cases and the killer, creating an eerie and offputting atmosphere.

Creating a Sense of Dread

The film Longlegs creates a sense of dread through unique camera angles and minimal score, leading to discomfort and intrigue, reminiscent of childhood fear of forbidden movies. Osgood Perkins’ use of wide-angle shots and framing techniques adds to the suspense and unease in Longlegs. The minimal score and moments of silence in the movie contribute to the audience’s discomfort and enhance the eerie atmosphere.

Director’s Personal Connection

Osgood Perkins’ personal connection to the movie’s unsettling vibe, comparing it to forbidden VHS tapes from childhood, adds depth to the viewing experience. The film’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the horror movies of the past while still being a modern, unsettling experience is a testament to its masterful storytelling and direction.

Plot Breakdown

Longlegs follows FBI agent Lee Harker, played by Maika Monroe, as she investigates a series of brutal murders linked to a satanic serial killer known as Longlegs. The film opens with a flashback to a young girl’s encounter with Longlegs, setting the tone for the eerie and unsettling atmosphere that pervades the movie.

As the story unfolds, Lee Harker uncovers occult clues that lead her to believe Longlegs is more than just a serial killer. She discovers that her mother, Ruth Harker, played by Alicia Witt, was Longlegs’ accomplice, posing as a nun and sending out possessed dolls to families that would then be murdered. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the themes of generational trauma and the darkness that can lurk within families.

Throughout the film, Lee Harker’s investigation leads her to confront her own mother, who is revealed to be a key player in Longlegs’ crimes. The final confrontation between Lee and her mother is a tense and unsettling moment, as Lee must decide whether to kill her mother to stop the murders or let her live, knowing that she will continue to be a part of Longlegs’ evil.

Production and Release

Longlegs was produced by Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Films and directed by Osgood Perkins. The main filming occurred in Vancouver, British Columbia, between January 16 and February 23, 2023. The film had a screening at Los Angeles’s Beyond Fest on May 31, 2024, and premiered at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles on July 8, 2024. It is scheduled to be released in the United States and the United Kingdom on July 12, 2024.

Critical Reception

Longlegs has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. The film’s ability to balance horror, suspense, and occult themes has been praised. Critics have noted that the performances, particularly those of Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, are exceptional. The direction and cinematography by Osgood Perkins have also been lauded for creating an unsettling and eerie atmosphere.

Box Office Performance

Longlegs has made a significant impact at the box office, earning $3 million in Thursday night previews, a new record for the independent studio Neon. The film is on track for an opening weekend in the high single digits, with some estimates reaching $10-15 million. This strong performance reflects the significant anticipation and buzz surrounding the movie.

In summary, Longlegs is a masterclass in unsettling horror, blending occult themes, dreamlike visuals, and eerie performances to create a truly terrifying experience. The film’s unique atmosphere, masterful storytelling, and exceptional performances make it a must-see for fans of the genre.

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