The exploration of serial killers in horror isn’t uncommon in the slightest. We have seen countless depictions of serial killers based on real-life people. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) was loosely inspired by the infamous serial killer and body snatcher, Ed Gein. Occasionally, they don’t always feel as real as they could, or they make them less terrifying.
Thankfully that’s not the case for the upcoming and highly anticipated Longlegs (2024). A film that has one of the most unsettling horror trailers of recent years. It’s not often that a trailer gives us just enough to pique interest. Longlegs has an interesting premise and from what the trailer suggests, some very macabre imagery.
Keep reading to find out more details about this highly anticipated horror film.
What’s the plot of Longlegs?
The film is set in 1974 and follows an FBI agent named Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) who is working on an unsolved case involving a serial killer who murders families. Each murder has an occult aspect.
Longlegs is directed by Oz Perkins, the son of iconic actor Anthony Perkins (Psycho). Oz Perkins has directed and/or written horror films and television such as The Girl in the Photographs (2015), The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015), and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016). Having worked in horror gives him an edge, and he never makes the same thing twice. The atmosphere of Longlegs might remind folks of the eeriness of The Blackcoat’s Daughter (I certainly recommend checking that out).
Another important tidbit is that Nicolas Cage is one of the producers on this film. He’s been dubbed a scream king within the horror community because of his contributions to the genre.
Trailer
I said it already but the trailer is so unsettling and will make you run throughout your home to make sure the doors are locked. The snowy atmosphere throughout certain shots makes everything feel so cold. Combine that with how it’s period horror with it being set in the ‘70s. So calling someone on an Android will not be happening in this film.
Who is in the cast of Longlegs?
The cast is relatively stacked as far as I’m concerned because Maika Monroe (It Follows) is starring in the lead role as Lee Harker, Nicolas Cage (Mandy) is playing the unnamed serial killer, Alicia Witt (Urban Legend), and Blair Underwood (Set It Off). The roles of Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood haven’t been announced yet. But it’ll be interesting to see how much of a part both play in the film.
When will Longlegs be released?
The film is set to be released on July 12 in theaters and while it doesn’t feel like a summer horror film, it’s nice we don’t have to wait too long.
Any horror recommendations to watch in the meantime?
Despite how Longlegs hasn’t been released yet, there’s a vibe that’s omitted from the trailer. So going off the very ominous and unsettling vibes alone, I’m going to suggest folks watch:
- The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
- The VVitch (2015)
- The Lodge (2019)
- The Black Phone (2021)
