‘Longlegs’ Film Review

‘Longlegs’ is a disruptive but refreshing take on modern horror, incorporating both psychological and supernatural themes through an innovative format that maintains a sense of deep unsettlement. Though not the directorial debut of Oz Perkins, the son of Anthony Perkins (of ‘Psycho’ fame), the effective marketing, casting and production has ensured this project is his most successful, as reflected by the box office success. The film uniquely explores guilt, trauma and obsession, leaving a mark on the wider horror genre and audiences alike.

Box Office Success

‘Longlegs’ has etched its name into the wider horror genre, and highlighted the potential of indie horror projects through its commercial success. Grossing $126 million globally by Halloween 2024 - $74 million in the United States and $52 million internationally - it became the highest-grossing independent film of the year. Its $22.4 million debut marked the best opening for Neon, an independent film company, and the biggest for an original 2024 horror film. By its third weekend, it surpassed ‘Parasite’ as Neon’s top-grossing film, proving independent horror’s capability to achieve mainstream appeal whilst retaining artistic integrity.

Marketing Methods

Neon’s approach of guerrilla marketing has made ‘Longlegs’ haunting through trailers and advertisements alone, marking its significance before viewers even sat down in their cinemas.  Through the use of cryptic messages to a mysterious billboard with a phone number for unsettling recordings, the campaign intensified the intrigue for the film. Clips revealing hidden demonic/devil appearances (fifteen in total) amplified engagement, making the film a benchmark for creative promotion in horror. The decision to omit Nicholas Cage from all marketing preserved the ambiguity of his character and allowed his performance to speak for itself. Additionally, Maika Monroe shone as the film’s awkward and emotionally complex lead, anchoring the narrative with a performance filled with both vulnerability and determination. This decision added to the film’s eerie allure.

Critical And Audience Response

Critically, ‘Longlegs’ has earned its place among modern horror classics, with an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 77/100 on Metacritic. David Rooney called it Perkins' “most fully realized” film, and Bob Strauss praised its unique blend of psychological and supernatural horror, a hallmark that sets it apart in the genre. However, critics like Richard Lawson saw it as “stylish but vacuous,” sparking debate over its substance.

Audience reactions were more polarized, reflecting the film’s bold storytelling. While some hailed its haunting themes, others criticized the antagonist’s androgynous design, perceiving it as potentially transphobic. However, Oz Perkins dismissed these claims in a Reddit AMA. Famed horror director, Guillermo del Toro lauded Perkins’ “uncanny sense of evil,” displaying its influence among auteurs within the genre.

Personal Opinion

While ‘Longlegs’  excels in atmosphere and performances, the ending struggles to maintain the momentum. The plot development towards the end feels generic and abrupt, as though the writers were rushing to tie up the story. What begins as a deeply layered narrative tapers off into predictable tropes, undermining the tension built earlier. The abruptness of the climax leaves little room for the themes to develop further, and a longer runtime could have allowed for a more satisfying conclusion. Personally, this missed opportunity prevents the film from reaching its full potential.

CONCLUSION

With its commercial success, divisive themes, and avant-garde marketing, ‘Longlegs’ has reshaped the idea of what horror can achieve. Both provocative and ingenious, it cements its legacy as a solid attempt to rebrand the genre.