Movie reviews are moving to every other Wednesday. Excitedly, I am busy creating additional content exploring horror, grief and trauma.
Non-Spoiler Synopsis: An FBI investigates a series of family murders with Satanic ties.
Where to watch: In theaters
Ratings (out of 5) 😱😱😱😱
Worth the Watch? The marketing for this movie was nothing short of brilliant. It left viewers with little indication of what the movie was truly about, sparking a sense of intrigue and curiosity.
The movie's moody atmosphere, coupled with its drab, dark, and isolating scenery, sets the stage for a tension-filled experience. Oz Perkins' 2024 creation is a masterclass in creepiness, holding viewers in suspense as they unravel the mystery of Longlegs, expertly portrayed by Nicolas Cage.
The movie's conclusion does little to dispel the tension; instead, it leaves you with the protagonist's bewildered 'what the f*ck '. This is a film that lingers, demanding time to fully digest and appreciate its intricacies.
Spoilers ahead-read with caution
The religious themes in this movie explore how, through fear, we can control others. Lee's (the FBI agent) mother, to protect her daughter from death, agrees to help Long Legs. Our fear of loss can influence our decisions and control us. This fear of evil also allows the audience and characters to explain Long Leg's behavior; it gives it meaning, which eases our discomfort. It gives us a common enemy, in this case, Satan. Furthermore, we have the drive to make meaning out of our experiences, and religion is one way that influences this process.
Lee, the protagonist, has buried her childhood memories, a common response to trauma. Her mother's gaslighting, convincing Lee that there are no monsters, further deepens this amnesia. Lee's mother, in her attempt to protect her daughter, agrees to assist Long Legs, a decision that isolates them from each other and perpetuates their trauma.
Nicolas Cage's character, Longlegs, has undergone a profound transformation. Once a lost soul, he found purpose in Satanism. Oz Perkins, the director, has described Long Legs as a glam rocker who, after a botched plastic surgery, continued to seek a fix. His journey into Satanism has given him a new lease on life, a sense of purpose he had long been searching for.
**end spoilers**
Dive deeper:
Want more?
Fan of Oz Perkins: Watch the Blackcoats Daughter.
Fan of FBI psychological horror: Check out Silence of the Lambs.
Fan of Maika Monroe: Watch It Follows.
Nicolas Cage Fan: Watch Mom and Dad (be warned, it’s a bloody satire about parenting)
Coming soon
8/16 Navigating Your Nervous System
What is Trauma
Part 1: Fading Memories, Enduring Bonds: Understanding Dementia's Impact on Families
Is there a movie you’d love to discuss or want me to review, please comment.
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