Longlegs: Creepy, Compelling, but Ultimately Hollow

Longlegs is a brilliantly crafted movie that ropes you into its dark, unsettling world from the very first scene. Technically, it's impeccable. The cinematography and camera work are masterful, creating an eerie, oppressive atmosphere that makes every moment feel tense.

The slow zooms, shadowy lighting, and grim aesthetic make the world feel chillingly claustrophobic. Nicolas Cage delivers a classic "Nicolas Cage" performance—completely unhinged, unsettling, and magnetic. His portrayal of Longlegs is enhanced by some truly horrifying makeup, adding another layer of unease to every scene he’s in. The movie's atmosphere and suspense are handled extremely well, keeping you on edge.

However, where Longlegs falls apart is in its protagonist. The lead character is so dull and emotionally flat that it's hard to stay invested in her journey. You want to be gripped by her story, but instead, you find yourself more intrigued by Cage’s monstrous presence. The story leans heavily into oddities and surreal moments, which work at first, but eventually feel like a crutch when the plot should be moving forward.

The climax is another major disappointment. After building so much tension and intrigue, the movie just sort of... ends. Abruptly. There’s no satisfying payoff for the mystery it so carefully constructed. Instead of a gut-punch finale, you’re left feeling unsatisfied, wondering if you missed something. Despite its many technical strengths and Cage's memorable performance, Longlegs ultimately leaves you cold.