Longlegs

An ambitious FBI recruit named Lee Harker is drawn into a baffling string of killings that resists conventional profiling. As she chases elusive clues, hints of occult symbolism creep in, reframing the case from a straightforward manhunt into a chilling maze of ritual fear. A private thread develops, revealing a personal link to the merciless killer that raises the stakes and tests her resolve. With the clock ticking, she scrambles through dangerous leads and red herrings, knowing that every move could invite the killer closer to another innocent family. The pursuit becomes as much about identity as about evidence. As the investigation deepens, the city itself feels like a threat, with rain stained streets and dimly lit corridors heightening the dread.

Directed by Osgood Perkins, Longlegs presents an original screenplay that blends crime and horror tropes with a restrained, character driven approach. The film marks Perkins's latest entry in a genre leaning slate, produced on a modest 10 million budget. Maika Monroe stars as Agent Lee Harker, Nicolas Cage plays the enigmatic Longlegs, with Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt in supporting roles. The production emphasizes practical settings and a lean runtime that keeps the tension tight while delivering a moody, atmospheric tone.

On a 10 million budget, Longlegs grossed 127,961,936 worldwide, signaling a solid commercial performance for a mid range thrill ride. The film’s return surpasses many crime thrillers, underscoring strong audience appeal across markets and genres.

The movie has begun to spark chatter among genre fans, thanks to Nicolas Cage as the enigmatic Longlegs and Maika Monroe delivering a sharp, no nonsense lead performance. Its occult visuals, stark score and relentless pacing have sparked online debate and theory crafting, helping the title stand out in a crowded field.

Critics describe a brisk, moody thriller anchored by strong performances from Monroe and Cage, with a lean runtime that keeps the story moving. Its themes examine how professional duty collides with personal history, how fear can blur moral lines, and how the line between hunter and target shifts when a case hits home.