Seated And Unsettled - Longlegs
Film
As if forged in the fires of Hell, Osgood Perkins' Longlegs serves to disrupt and disturb at every step. Cultivating a thrilling and chilling atmosphere throughout its 101-minute runtime, Perkins' feature is undoubtedly the original horror film of the summer. If not all of 2024.
Resembling classics such as Silence of the Lambs, Se7en and Zodiac, Longlegs centers on FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) and her investigation into the titular serial killer, Longlegs (Nicolas Cage). Somehow, someway, Longlegs has been able to get the fathers of families--over multiple decades--to kill their wives and children before killing themselves. The only thing left at the scene is a coded letter, signed "Longlegs." But without any sign of forced entry, it would appear that Longlegs was never there. The circumstances of these murder-suicides aren't the only oddities that dig deep under your skin. Lingering, just below the surface of reasonable explanations that act as a comforting blanket. Because really, it's just about everything in Longlegs. From Perkins' direction to Andres Arochi's gorgeous, disquieting cinematography, Longlegs creates a suffocating feeling for every internal shot. Utilizing some wonderful blocking techniques to hide figures in doorways, keeping the field of view tight and mysterious. Meanwhile, external shots often brandish a wide-angle lens, pushing our peripheral vision to the point of paranoia. There must be something on the edge of our screen, right?
But the atmosphere can only get you so far. Perkins is lucky to be able to lean on extremely complementary performances from Monroe as Harker, and Cage as Longlegs. Watching Harker's mannerisms, innocent and childlike at times, hypnotizes in a way that resembles an unsuspecting deer amidst a hunt. Monroe's balancing act of withdrawn socializing with her superior Agent Carter (Blair Underwood) and surefooted investigative skills are juxtaposed to almost clashing. It's as if you're hearing two slightly off-key notes that ever-so-slightly grind at your sanity. Excessively violent murders lurking in the shadows perpetuate this feeling even more as Monroe's youthful, at times fragile, image navigates the killer's labyrinthian motives.
It's not the first time that Monroe has delivered a stupendously curated horror performance. She's quickly and quietly been cementing herself as a scream queen ever since her breakout role in the phenomenal 2017 horror film It Follows. But even more impressive than Monroe's performance, is the legendary Nicolas Cage as Longlegs.
Not only is Cage terrifying, and rather unrecognizable under the makeup and prosthetics, but it truly feels like Longlegs is a performance so grandiose in scale and nature, that it could only be Cage. Even with minimal screen time as a supporting role, Cage delivers something so tremendous, that it might shake the very Earth you sit upon while watching. At times he's slow and steady, then vicious and quick, but there is never even the slightest moment when Cage is on screen that you aren't frozen by some strange mix of fear and awe.
The only problem is a third act that unspools all of the prior tension at a breakneck pace. Using an exposition dump to explain motives and clear up any minor details feels like a disservice to the work Perkins put in to get to this point. Diminishing a wild finale into a brief voice-over was incredibly disappointing. While there was still plenty to enjoy, including the ending scene itself, the wind gets taken out of the sails. Leaving a slightly bad taste in your mouth. Then again, that could be from the build-up to the finale which was tense, terrifying, and deeply unsettling.
All things considered, Longlegs was a blast and I am incredibly thankful there were other people in the theater. I would've noped on out of there after the first scene if I was alone.
Froth
Normally I default satanic horror films such as this to pair with Holy Mountain Brewing Company. Their beer styles, gothic artwork--some of the coolest can designs and branding I've seen--and sheer brewing talent make it an easy association for horror films. I mean, look no further than the pairing for Immaculate which was the easiest decision I ever made. Some would even call it, immaculate...
Hey-o!
But I'm going to challenge myself here and head north from Seattle to a little watering hole called Hemlock State Brewing Company. The brewery started just like us here at Film & Froth, with a couple of friends enjoying a hobby together that grew and grew. Suddenly taking on a life of its own. Not only is their story inspiring, but the beer is downright delicious!
Instead of choosing their stout option, a Chocolate Moose Oatmeal Cream Stout which is a wildly sweet treat, their other malty brew is perfectly suited for Longlegs. The John Long's Long Johns Amber Ale not only sports a hilarious name, almost matching the film's title is a bit of serendipity, but I'm always craving a nice amber. It's color is a deep golden amber that looks as good as it smells. Delivering a sweet caramel aroma mixed with some malt, and piney/woody notes namely from the Glacier hops. The Pale malt keeps the taste light and biscuity, which joins the caramel sweetness in holy matrimony. Making the John Long's Long Johns Amber Ale a delightful amber that is a surefire hit for everyone missing more ambers throughout the PNW area.
