The Mosley Review: Longlegs
Is it strange that I long for a good serial killer film? We've had plenty of the slasher films out there recently, but we haven't had a pure and unapologetic serial killer story that was memorable. We really haven't had one that delves into the psychosis or the eerie nature of what makes a human become a monster. Well, this film takes us back down that familiar avenue of the psychological horror within the serial killer realm while having its own twist. The hunt for the killer is always the fun part and the clues that are left behind are always atmospheric and creepy. Most films gloss over these traits or rush past them to get to the next blood bath, but I enjoyed that this film took its time and let you live in the world being portrayed. I guess with modern day technology, the guess work and decryption process is expedited and looses the meticulous nature of combing over every inch of clues. This film wisely is set in the 90's and takes advantage of the limitations of the time expertly and added the correct level of creep.
Maika Monroe delivers a very restrained, quiet and dull performance correctly as FBI Agent Lee Harker. Her reserved, stoic and emotionally cold persona was excellent and gave the character a stillness and subtlety that slowly unravels as the story progresses. It was fascinating to witness the range of emotions from docile to sheer terror. Alicia Witt was excellent, weird and sad as her mother, Ruth. There is so much to the character and her protective soul was present once you get to meet her. The connection she shares with her daughter may seem disconnected, but there is love there that is shown in a specific way. Its always great to see Blair Underwood and its been a while since I've seen him on the big screen. As Lee's superior, Agent Carter, he was charming as ever and I liked the chemistry between the two of them. It was the classic buddy cop trope as you have the level headed family man that's partnered or works with the sometimes emotionally unavailable partner. Definitely one of or if not the selling point of the film was the titular character, Longlegs played wonderful by Nicolas Cage. Now you do have a few moments of his iconic unhinged nature, but it is completely character driven. Nic brings out his inner creep factor the moment he's on screen and he does not relent. The prosthetic make-up for the characters’ face was wisely covered up in the promotional material because it was essential to his over all unnerving presence. I loved the interrogation scene between him and Lee and Maika's reaction was truly real in my opinion. Longlegs had a motive that could turn some people off, but I was invested and I enjoyed the source of his reasoning as it gave him a distinction among the other killers in cinema. Its simple, but effective.
The score by composer Zilgi was unnerving, intense and playful in the right moments as the tone of the film doesn't let you experience much joy. Like I said before, the pure nature of the serial killer film genre has been missing in cinema and this film brings that back while delivering a layered finale. It wasn't predictable and felt like a homage. Its touted alot as this generations Silence of the Lambs and I particialy agree. You have the awkward detective facing off against the unnerving villain that has a sort of personal connection, but it has alot more intertwined in the story of how and why the murders occur. I can't say much more than that without walking into spoilers, but I will say I was genuinely surprised on how well the reason was executed. Writer and director Osgood Perkins, has delivered a chilling serial killer film that harkens back to the simple nature of the genre while keeping you on your tows by the end. For a considerable low budget in the horror genre these days, this was a well crafted thriller and the make-up department should take a bow. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
