One of this year’s movies had an extensive promotional campaign. It featured short cryptic trailers. There were also billboards with symbols and a phone number to call. The number led you to a recording of Nicholas Cage whispering threats. The symbols tracked you to some online documents about the movie. Dubbed as one of the scariest movies this year and received certified fresh tag from Rotten Tomatoes, It didn’t move me one bit.

Maika Monroe plays a detective trying to solve, what pans out to be cult murders. The murders happen to a whole family also on the birthday of the child of the family. Starting from nothing, she inadvertently begins to crack clues that eventually tie back to her own life. Nicholas Cage, who plays long legs, is the master mind behind all of it. His character is weird to say the least. He is unrecognizable unlike all this other movies, pale and his behavior is erratic. Maika leans back on lost memories and her mom and pieces the puzzle together. Finds out that Long Legs had an accomplice which was her mother as well as other worldly help. Upon the discovery, she is put in a serious predicament and is forced to do what is right to stop the madness.

LongLegs, it had some amazing elements. The aspect ratio it was filmed in made you feel closed in with everything that is unfolding. Great use of the camera to enhance emotions playing out. There was a good amount of gruesome and gore depictions. The music played a important role also. When the whole operation was revealed at the end I thought I was solid and made sense for what the movie was.

So why did it fall short. Unfortunately, the film’s pacing often feels sluggish, and the narrative can become convoluted at times. While the climactic reveal is satisfying, the journey leading up to it lacks the necessary tension and suspense. Additionally, Cage’s eccentric performance, though captivating, occasionally veers into the realm of the absurd, detracting from the overall tone.

Ultimately, LongLegs is a mixed bag. It boasts strong performances, a chilling atmosphere, and a fascinating premise, but it struggles to maintain its momentum and deliver a truly terrifying experience. While it’s worth a watch for fans of the genre, it’s important to temper expectations and embrace its flaws. If you saw it and have a different opinion or perspective please share!