Longlegs: The Cult Tragedy (2024) is a chilling psychological drama and horror film directed and written by Osgood Perkins, who is known for his previous works such as The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016). With this film, Perkins returns to his signature style of building suspense slowly and delving deep into existential dread. The movie blends psychological horror with dramatic tension, creating an eerie exploration of human psychology, grief, and the dark allure of cults. The film stars Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, and Alicia Witt, each delivering powerful performances in a story that will leave viewers deeply unsettled.

The plot of Longlegs revolves around a woman named Sarah (Maika Monroe), who is reeling from the loss of her younger sister, Lily. The tragedy leads Sarah to a dark and mysterious cult led by a charismatic but manipulative leader, portrayed by Nicolas Cage. The cult promises healing and a way to overcome personal grief, but as Sarah becomes more involved, she begins to unravel the sinister motives behind the group’s teachings. Along the way, she meets other members who seem equally lost, desperately clinging to the cult’s promises of purpose and salvation. However, as Sarah delves deeper, she discovers that the cult’s power extends far beyond mere psychological manipulation—its influence begins to reshape her own understanding of reality.

The central theme of Longlegs is the destructive power of belief and the dangers of blindly following authority. Through the cult’s grip on its members, the film examines how individuals can be manipulated into losing themselves, believing in something that promises them safety and purpose, only to find themselves trapped in a web of psychological horror. Sarah’s personal journey highlights the emotional and mental toll of grief, and how vulnerable people can become in their search for meaning in the face of loss. The cult, led by Cage’s enigmatic character, embodies the promise of answers and comfort, but it ultimately leads Sarah—and the audience—into a nightmarish descent into psychological terror.

One of the most compelling aspects of Longlegs is Perkins’ signature slow-building suspense. The film unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing the tension to mount gradually. The eerie atmosphere of the cult compound, with its unsettling rituals and mind games, creates a sense of dread that hangs over the characters at all times. Perkins excels in capturing the psychological unraveling of his characters, especially Sarah, who becomes increasingly paranoid and unsure of what is real. The film thrives on ambiguity, leaving audiences to question whether the horrors Sarah experiences are real or a product of her fractured mind.

Maika Monroe’s performance as Sarah is haunting, portraying a woman whose grief and vulnerability make her an easy target for the cult’s manipulations. Monroe captures the emotional complexity of her character, showcasing Sarah’s internal battle as she wrestles with her doubts and fears. Nicolas Cage, playing the cult leader, delivers an intense and magnetic performance, embodying the charisma and sinister charm of someone who knows how to prey on the emotional weaknesses of others. Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt also provide strong supporting performances, with their characters representing different aspects of the cult’s influence, from blind devotion to reluctant participation.

Visually, Longlegs is as unsettling as it is beautiful. The cinematography reflects the film’s themes of isolation and psychological fragility, with haunting, dimly lit scenes that seem to close in on the characters. Perkins uses the setting of the cult compound, with its eerie rituals and disturbing atmosphere, to create a sense of entrapment. The music, composed by an unknown artist, adds another layer of unease, with its minimalist, almost discordant tones that mirror the growing tension in the story.

One of the most disturbing elements of Longlegs is its exploration of personal loss and the desperation that follows. Sarah’s grief is palpable, and it makes her an easy target for the cult’s false promises. This portrayal of grief as both a personal and collective experience adds a layer of emotional depth to the horror, showing how the need for answers and closure can lead people to make dangerous decisions. The film doesn’t shy away from the devastating consequences of blindly following a charismatic leader, highlighting the real-world dangers of cults and the way they prey on vulnerable individuals.

In conclusion, Longlegs: The Cult Tragedy is a masterfully crafted psychological horror film that explores the dark and dangerous influence of cults on the human psyche. Through its slow-burn suspense, complex characters, and haunting atmosphere, it provides a disturbing look at the emotional toll of grief, the manipulation of belief, and the consequences of losing oneself in the search for meaning. Osgood Perkins’ direction and the strong performances of the cast, especially Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, elevate the film into a chilling and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.