“Longlegs”, a new psychological thriller starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe hit theaters two weeks ago, and many are saying it is one of the creepiest films in recent history. The movie trailers previewed some of the movie’s reviews, two of which said “The best serial killer horror film since Silence of the Lambs,” and, “The scariest film of the decade.”
While this may seem like very high praise, there is much to like about “Longlegs” and many similarities to “Silence of the Lambs”. Nicholas Cage plays Longlegs who is a creepy, satanic-worshiping serial killer. Throughout the film, he sings in a high-pitched voice when speaking with other characters, especially when interacting with Lee Harker (Maika Monroe).
These scenes are truly unsettling and are eerily reminiscent of scenes from “Silence of the Lambs” when Hannibal Lecter talks to Clarice. Cage’s tone, cadence, and overall ability to play a psychotic killer are very similar to that of Anthony Hopkins.
With that said, the movie won’t go down as one of the best like “Silence of the Lambs” did. They are two completely different movies but have similarities in depictions of a serial killer and their relationship with a detective on their case.
“Longlegs” is not based on a true story, or real characters yet goes into a much more demonic and darker theme as the story progresses. The serial killings are only the tip of the iceberg, as the entire second half of the film reveals.
After watching the trailers, it felt like they gave away too much of the film, but the second half’s twists and turns made things much more interesting and gave a different meaning to the film.
In the end, the movie leaves you with an uneasy feeling and a lot of answered questions. I highly recommend going to see it while it’s still in the theaters.
