By Avery Beaton, Assistant Editor of The Carolinian
Oz Perkins’ Longlegs (2024) is one of the most highly anticipated horror films of the year. Protagonist Lee Harker is tasked with solving a series of violent and mysterious murders. As she unravels the sinister case, she discovers that she is more woven in than she anticipated.
Perkins draws heavily from his childhood when setting the theme for this film. Growing up with two influential and famous parents, his whole family was constantly in the spotlight. When his father was outed as being gay, Perkins’ mother became the storyteller for the family. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Perkins stated, “I try not to tell my children any protective lies, having grown up in a family where certain truths were curated, not maliciously and with any kind of cruelty or dismissiveness, but rather as a move to sustain the family and keep things together."
Performances in this film varied. Maika Monroe, who played Lee Harker, did the best she could with what she was given. Harker’s character felt empty, with little personality. Nicolas Cage portrayed the film’s antagonist Long Legs. Cage played Long Legs well, transforming into the satanic psycho killer.
The highlight of the film lies with its cinematographer Andres Arochi. He understood what the film was trying to say and brought it to life. Ultimately, the film isn’t just horror, and it isn’t just about family. Arochi used all these themes to breathe life into the film. The camera angles make Harker look small, in large rooms or in front of houses. It also reinforces the biblical theme of the movie and Harker’s psychic abilities.
Overall, I rate this movie 3.5/5. The film was hyped up a little too much, but I would recommend watching it. Though it is currently out of theaters, it is available to rent or buy on YouTube, Amazon, and Apple TV.
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