“Longlegs,” the latest cinematic offering of 2024, is a film that has been riding on the waves of immense hype and anticipation. With its stylish cinematography and a narrative that promised to be both compelling and unnerving, the film had all the makings of a genre-defining thriller. However, upon viewing, it becomes apparent that “Longlegs” is a mixed bag of exceptional moments overshadowed by a disjointed storyline.
The film opens with a sequence that is both haunting and beautifully shot, reminiscent of watching a home movie through a family room projector. This sets the tone for what could have been a deeply atmospheric and disturbing journey into the psyche of a serial killer. The use of slowed zoom shots and artistic storytelling gives “Longlegs” an off-kilter, curious edge that initially grabs the viewer’s attention.
As the story unfolds, Alicia Witt delivers a performance that is both creepy and startling, contributing to the film’s eerie ambiance. Nicolas Cage, as always, brings a unique energy to the screen, worming his way into the nightmares of the audience with a dread-filled portrayal of the antagonist.
Despite these strengths, “Longlegs” falters in its execution. The middle section of the film is bogged down by expository-heavy dialogue and meandering subplots that fail to advance the narrative in a meaningful way. The promise of a devilishly startling experience is lost in the labyrinth of its own storytelling, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
The marketing of “Longlegs” was undoubtedly its greatest triumph. It sold an idea of a movie that seemed to promise a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat experience. Unfortunately, the actual film does not live up to the expectations set by its promotional campaign. It’s a film that is sometimes good, sometimes scary, and sometimes laughably goofy, but ultimately, it’s the hype that outshines the movie itself.
In the Nutshell
“Longlegs” is a film that could have been a masterpiece with its compelling premise and stylistic choices. However, it ultimately serves as a reminder that a strong opening and a few standout performances are not enough to carry a film through to a satisfying conclusion. It’s a disappointing, over-hyped slog that had the potential to be so much more. [4 out of 5].
Explaining the Ending of “Longlegs”
The horror film “Longlegs,” directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Nicolas Cage, leaves viewers with a chilling, ambiguous finale that lingers long after the credits roll. The film weaves together satanic cult horror, family trauma, and a decades-spanning murder mystery, culminating in a deeply unsettling conclusion. Here’s an extended breakdown of the ending and its implications.
The Final Confrontation: Revelations and Betrayals
As the investigation into the serial killer known as Longlegs (real name Dale Ferdinand Cobble) intensifies, FBI agent Lee Harker uncovers disturbing connections between the murders, satanic rituals, and her own childhood. The killer’s modus operandi involves influencing fathers to murder their families using satanically “charged” dolls, each containing a metallic ball that acts as a conduit for demonic influence.
The shocking twist is that Lee’s deeply religious mother, Ruth, has been Longlegs’ accomplice all along. Years before, Ruth struck a Faustian bargain with Longlegs: in exchange for sparing Lee’s life, she would help distribute the cursed dolls to other families, unwittingly perpetuating his killing spree. Ruth’s actions are revealed through a mix of flashbacks and her own confession, exposing her as both a victim and a perpetrator, driven by a desperate maternal instinct.
Longlegs’ Death-But Not the End
After the FBI captures Longlegs, he is interrogated by Lee. In a disturbing scene, he sings “Happy Birthday” to her, referencing the pattern of targeting girls born on the 14th, and hints that his work will continue even after his death. He then violently kills himself, smashing his face into a table while uttering “Hail, Satan!”-a final, defiant act that underscores his belief in the persistence of evil.
The True Horror: The Doll and the Cycle of Evil
Even with Longlegs dead, the threat is not over. Lee realizes that the next target is her boss Carter’s daughter, Ruby, whose birthday fits the killer’s pattern. She races to the Carters’ home but arrives too late to prevent tragedy. Ruth, having delivered a new satanic doll, triggers the final act: Carter, under the doll’s influence, murders his wife. Lee is forced to shoot Carter to protect Ruby, and then, in a devastating moment, she must also kill her own mother, Ruth, who attacks her with a dagger.
The climax leaves Lee with Ruby and the cursed doll, but Lee is out of bullets and unable to destroy it. The scene freezes on Lee as she stares at the doll, paralyzed, while Longlegs’ voice eerily sings “Happy Birthday” once more. The film ends on this unresolved note, leaving the fate of Lee and Ruby-and the potential for the evil to continue-uncertain.
What Does the Ending Mean?
Ambiguity and the Persistence of Evil
The ending of “Longlegs” is intentionally open-ended and disturbing. The physical threat of Longlegs is gone, but his influence lingers through the doll and the psychological trauma inflicted on Lee. The film suggests that evil is not so easily vanquished; it is cyclical, persistent, and can infect even the most innocent or well-intentioned people.
Lee’s Trauma and the Legacy of Violence
On a thematic level, the film is as much about Lee’s personal trauma as it is about satanic horror. She is forced to confront the truth about her mother’s complicity and the impact of her own repressed childhood memories. The final moments leave us questioning whether Lee will succumb to the same evil that claimed so many before her, or if she can break the cycle and save Ruby.
No Clear Winners
“Longlegs” offers no catharsis or victory. Lee survives but at a tremendous personal cost-her mother is dead by her own hand, her boss and his wife are dead, and the source of evil (the doll) remains intact. The film closes with a sense of unease, reinforcing the idea that the battle between good and evil is never truly over, and that darkness may always find a way to endure.
Key Takeaways
- Longlegs is captured and kills himself, but not before ensuring his legacy of evil continues through his accomplice, Ruth, and the cursed dolls.
- Ruth’s betrayal is rooted in a desperate attempt to save Lee, making her both a victim and a villain.
- The final act sees Lee forced to kill both Carter and her mother to save Ruby, but the satanic doll remains, leaving the door open for evil to persist.
- The film ends ambiguously, with Lee frozen in front of the doll, haunted by Longlegs’ voice, and the fate of both her and Ruby uncertain.
- Thematically, the film explores trauma, the cyclical nature of evil, and the blurred lines between good and evil in the face of unimaginable horror.
“Longlegs” leaves viewers with a chilling question: Can evil ever truly be defeated, or does it simply change hands, waiting for the next opportunity to strike?