Longlegs is a genuinely creepy horror film that will make your skin crawl.

From the first frame in this twisted picture from writer/director Osgood Perkins (son of Psycho’s Norman Bates actor, Anthony Perkins), it is clear the entire world contained in Longlegs is off-kilter.

We see recognisable horror elements like the young FBI investigator (Maika Monroe) tracking a serial killer (ie. Silence of the Lambs), but there is just enough of a hint of the paranormal to keep you guessing as to what is real and what not.

And while it is certainly ‘typically’ scary at times, the overriding feeling one gets when watching this film is pure anxiety.

It is incredibly effective at creating a sense of impending doom and carries plenty of unsettling imagery which will stay with you for some time.

The first hour, in particular, sets up what could have been an all-time horror classic, creating enough interesting story threads to hammer home a thrilling finish.

But despite the continued dread Perkins is able to find throughout, the last act becomes too plot heavy when trying to pull everything together neatly.

It also includes a flat-out crazy Nicholas Cage performance (are they ever not these days?) as the titular Longlegs.

Whether you buy his cartoonishly large serial killer shtick will go a long way to deciding your overall feelings about the film.

Regardless of your stance however, the fact remains that Longlegs is inventive and brave in the way it tries to upend the audience.

If you are a lover of the genre, this film is well worth your time and offers an interesting addition to the psychological horror canon.

If not, I recommend you stay away from this one completely as you will likely have nightmares for weeks.

Rated 16 for scenes of Violence, Horror and Language.

3.5/5.

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