“This is his masterpiece”: Nicolas Cage is Bringing Us “the best horror film of ’24” as Early Reviews Call it Director Oz Perkins’ Greatest Work Yet
Horror fans are known for having high hopes, and it seems like Longlegs might actually meet those expectations. Directed by Oz Perkins (best known for his role as Dorky David Kidney in Legally Blonde), the film is making waves at festivals, with critics saying it could be the scariest movie of the year.
The new American horror thriller featuring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage tells the story of FBI Agent Lee Harker, as she hunts down a serial killer with spooky ties to the supernatural. Mixing classic thriller vibes with modern horror, the film guarantees an eerie time at the movies.
Critics’ Reviews on Nicolas Cage-starring Year’s Best Horror
Oz Perkins, known for his slow-burn psychological horror films like February and The Blackcoat’s Daughter, has built a reputation for creating unsettling atmospheres and complex characters. Early reviews indicate that his upcoming flick Longlegs continues this trend, and it is not just hyperbole.
Slashfilm’s Bill Bria tweeted, “Osgood Perkins never misses, and I can promise y’all aren’t ready.” Bria goes on to praise Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage‘s performance, calling his first ten minutes in the film “nightmarish.”
I was so lucky to see #Longlegs, and no exaggeration: it could be the best horror film of ‘24. Oz Perkins can really get under my skin; this is his masterpiece. Monroe gives a fabulously unique lead performance, and Cage? NIGHTMARISH. Maybe the scariest 1st 10 mins, ever. pic.twitter.com/ImMEDDxGXi
— Bill Bria (@billbria) May 9, 2024
Check out some more of the critics’ reactions:
LONGLEGS (2024): Holy shit. Oz Perkins has crafted an outstandingly bleak and fiendish investigative thriller. It's so violently evil (😈). A film that lingers in your thoughts, under your skin, and in the pit of your stomach well after it's over. Perkins' best (so far). pic.twitter.com/cw99b5ChIq
— Matt Donato (@DoNatoBomb) May 9, 2024
Already quite confident calling #LONGLEGS my favorite Oz Perkins film.
Those teasers sell it well. The mystery/unsolved serial killer case is wildly fascinating and HUGELY unnerving. No spoilers, of course, but where things land? I’ve never seen anything quite like it. I tend to… pic.twitter.com/IFOjODb3rb
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 10, 2024
#Longlegs was unlike anything I could have predicted. It's unsettling and disturbing, never giving the audience a reprieve. Maika Monroe and Nic Cage give standout performances, but Alicia Witt steals the show. Osgood Perkins never misses, and I can promise y'all aren't ready. pic.twitter.com/FxnnUMqjyd
— Shannon | #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 (@shannon_mcgrew) May 9, 2024
The mysterious hype surrounding the movie only adds to its allure. Plot details are scarce, with trailers focusing on the haunted atmosphere and Cage’s haunting performance. This penchant for secrecy is a trademark of Perkins’ style, letting audiences create their own anticipation and fear for the film.
Producers Praise Longlegs’ Iconic Horror Setting
In a special interview with Screen Rant, producers Ken Kao and Josh Rosenbaum shared their thoughts on Longlegs. Horror isn’t normally Kao’s cup of tea, but even he admits the new film creeped him out. He admitted that he was “bothered” after watching the movie.
His producing partner, Rosenbaum, was more enthusiastic. He hinted at a cool new trailer coming soon from the studio NEON. Rosenbaum also praised star Nicolas Cage, calling his performance truly iconic. He believes fans of artistic horror films will love the movie.
Horror buffs are hyped for Longlegs—it has got spooky vibes, top-notch acting, and could be the director’s best yet. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas this year on July 12, 2024.
