Longlegs

Plot and narrative themes

Set primarily in the 1990s, Longlegs centres on FBI agent Lee Harker, a new recruit who exhibits possible clairvoyant abilities. She is assigned by her supervisor, Agent William Carter, to a perplexing case involving a string of murder-suicides across Oregon. In each instance, a father kills his family and then himself, leaving behind a letter adorned with Satanic glyphs and signed by Longlegs. The killer's handwriting does not match any family member, and the crime scenes yield no forensic traces of an intruder, baffling the FBI. Harker's investigation reveals a sinister pattern linking the victims: each family had a nine-year-old daughter born on the 14th day of a month, and the murders occurred within six days of those birthdays, forming an occult triangle symbol on a calendar.

The narrative explores Harker's personal connection to the case, which is gradually uncovered through childhood memories and a Polaroid photograph. The film's opening sequence, set in 1974 Oregon, shows a young Lee Harker encountering an erratic man in pale makeup. This man is later revealed to be Longlegs, whose real name is Dale Ferdinand Kobble. The plot thickens when Harker receives a coded birthday card from the killer, threatening her mother, Ruth, if she reveals its source. The investigation leads to the discovery of sinister dolls containing high-energy metal orbs, which are the instruments of Longlegs's mind control, causing the patriarchs to commit familicide.

The film's climax reveals a Faustian bargain struck decades earlier. To spare a young Lee's life, her mother, Ruth, agreed to serve Longlegs, allowing him to live in their basement and deliver his cursed dolls while posing as a nun. The doll created for Lee blocked her memories and subjected her to his influence. The final act sees Harker racing to stop the completion of Longlegs's occult triangle, which targets her supervisor's family. After a violent confrontation where she is forced to kill both Carter and her own mother to save his daughter, Ruby, the film ends on an ambiguous note. Harker and Ruby are left staring at the undestroyed doll, while Longlegs, having taken his own life in his cell, giddily sings Happy Birthday and says Hail, Satan.

Production and development

The film was officially announced in November 2022, with Osgood Perkins attached as writer and director. Perkins drew inspiration from multiple sources for the story. The central plot device of evil dolls that trigger familicide was loosely inspired by the JonBenét Ramsey case, specifically the presence of a life-size replica doll of the child found near the crime scene. In interviews, Perkins also cited his mother's protective behaviour regarding his father Anthony Perkins's sexuality as a thematic inspiration, exploring how a mother can shield a child from an unsavory truth. Principal casting began in early 2023, with Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe joining the project in February, and Alicia Witt and Blair Underwood announced in March. The film was financed by Dave Caplan's C2 Motion Picture Group for a budget of less than $10 million.

A significant portion of the production was filmed in Canada, with principal photography scheduled in Vancouver from January 16 to February 23, 2023. This Canadian connection provides a direct link for local audiences and the film industry. Nicolas Cage also served as a producer under his Saturn Films banner. The film's score was composed by Zilgi, a pseudonym for Elvis Perkins, the director's brother, and was released on streaming platforms and vinyl concurrently with the film's theatrical debut on July 12, 2024.

Marketing and release strategy

Neon employed an innovative and cryptic marketing campaign for Longlegs, drawing comparisons to the guerrilla tactics used for The Blair Witch Project. The campaign was built on speculation, using coded messages, symbology created for the film, and a concerted effort to conceal Nicolas Cage's appearance as Longlegs. A series of eleven promotional videos were uploaded to YouTube starting in January 2024, which together accumulated 30 million views before the film's title was even revealed in February. A trailer was attached to every horror film released in theatres from January 2024 onward. The marketing extended into unconventional real-world activations, including a billboard without the film's title that featured a phone number for pre-recorded messages from the antagonist.

Further marketing included a paid cipher advertisement published in the Seattle Times on June 14, a direct reference to the Zodiac Killer, which directed readers to an in-universe website. Following the premiere, Neon released a clip purportedly showing Maika Monroe's heart rate when she first saw Cage in character and a promotional spot highlighting 15 hidden appearances of the devil throughout the film. The total marketing budget was under $10 million, focusing heavily on digital content over traditional television advertising. The film's release was strategically rolled out after Neon acquired North American rights in February 2023, with an early screening at Beyond Fest in Los Angeles on May 31, 2024 and the official world premiere at the Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on July 8, 2024.

Longlegs was released theatrically in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom on July 12, 2024. The film held several special screenings across the United States throughout July 8 to 13, 2024. This included a parent-free RSVP screening at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Brooklyn, New York on July 12, 2024. Longlegs was released on video on demand on August 23, 2024. The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD versions of the film were released on September 24, 2024.

Box office performance and records

Longlegs was a major box office success, grossing $128 million worldwide against a production budget of less than $10 million. In the United States and Canada, it earned $74.3 million, with an additional $53.6 million from other territories. According to Deadline Hollywood calculations, the film's net profit was approximately $48 million. It opened on July 12, 2024, in 2,510 theatres alongside Fly Me to the Moon and far exceeded projections. Its opening day gross of $10 million, including $3 million from Thursday night previews, set new records for distributor Neon.

The film set several notable records during its run. It debuted to $22.4 million in its first weekend, finishing second at the box office and achieving the best opening weekend in Neon's history. This also marked the biggest opening for an original horror film in 2024. The film demonstrated strong staying power, dropping only 46.6% in its second weekend to earn $12 million. By its third weekend, it had surpassed the domestic total of Neon's previous record-holder, Parasite, to become the studio's highest-grossing film ever. On August 16, 2024, it crossed the $100 million worldwide threshold, cementing its status as the highest-grossing independent film of the year.

Critical and audience reception

The film received positive reviews from critics upon release. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 85% of 323 critics' reviews were positive, with an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. The site's consensus highlighted the film's disquieting mood and Nicolas Cage's nightmarishly gonzo performance. Metacritic assigned a weighted average score of 77 out of 100 based on 52 critics, indicating generally favourable reviews. Critics praised Perkins's direction and the atmospheric tension, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it his most fully realized and relentlessly effective film to date. ScreenAnarchy declared it a masterpiece of high art and anxiety, while /Film labelled it the most terrifying horror movie of 2024.

Audience reception was more mixed. CinemaScore reported a grade of C+ from polling conducted on opening night, while PostTrak reported a 70% overall positive score with an average of 3 out of 5 stars. The film sparked debate regarding its portrayal of its antagonist, with some viewers and commentators criticizing the film for perceived transphobic or homophobic coding. An opinion piece on CNN drew comparisons between Longlegs's androgynous characteristics and the villain Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs. Director Osgood Perkins addressed a related question in a Reddit AMA by denouncing anti-trans behaviour but did not elaborate on specific elements of the film. The film also received praise from prominent filmmakers, with Guillermo del Toro complimenting Perkins's uncanny sense of evil and impending doom.

Future franchise expansion

Following the significant success of the first film, a new project set in the Longlegs universe was announced in April 2026. This development marks a major expansion for the property, with several key creative and financial elements changing. Osgood Perkins will return to write and direct the new film, and Nicolas Cage will reprise his role as Longlegs and serve as a producer. The project is not described as a direct sequel but rather a new story set within the same universe. The producing team also includes Brian Kavanaugh Jones, Chris Ferguson, and Dave Caplan. A major shift occurred in the distribution rights, as while Neon distributed the 2024 film, the new project was acquired by Paramount Pictures.

Reports indicated that Neon stepped aside as the scope and budget of the new film exceeded the company's normal parameters. Paramount has scheduled the film for a theatrical release on January 14, 2028. This move aligns with Paramount's strategic focus on building its horror slate, which includes production deals with filmmakers like Parker Finn, known for Smile, and Walter Hamada, and the relaunch of the Paranormal Activity franchise. The announcement confirms the establishment of Longlegs as a franchise with ongoing creative and commercial potential.

Cultural impact and key elements

Longlegs solidified several careers and left a distinct mark on the 2024 horror landscape. The film established Osgood Perkins as a prominent horror auteur and reinforced Maika Monroe's status as a leading figure in the genre following her earlier success in It Follows. Nicolas Cage's performance was widely noted for its disturbing and committed portrayal, contributing to the film's notoriety. The movie's blend of crime procedural, occult mystery, and psychological horror, combined with its effective low-budget execution, made it a case study in modern independent film success. The film is defined by several recurring and memorable elements that contributed to its identity and marketing hook.

• Occult Symbolism: The plot revolves around Satanic glyphs, a ritualistic triangle pattern formed by murder dates, and service to the man downstairs.
• Creepy Dolls: The cursed dolls containing metal orbs are the physical mechanism of Longlegs's mind control, a concept inspired by real-world true crime.
• Period Setting: The 1990s setting provides a distinct aesthetic, devoid of modern digital technology, which amplifies the investigative procedural aspects.
• Hidden Details: Director Osgood Perkins confirmed there are 15 hidden appearances of the devil throughout the film's background, encouraging repeat viewings.
• Marketing Ciphers: The promotional campaign heavily utilized coded messages and puzzles, directly engaging the audience in the film's mystery.
• Canadian Production: The film's principal photography in Vancouver, British Columbia, represents a significant contribution to the Canadian film industry.

Questions about Longlegs

Is there a Longlegs 2 or sequel coming out?

Yes, a new film set in the Longlegs universe is in development. It was announced in April 2026, with Osgood Perkins returning to write and direct and Nicolas Cage reprising his role. The project is not described as a direct sequel but as a new story within the same universe. Paramount Pictures has acquired the distribution rights and has scheduled the film for release on January 14, 2028.

How much money did Longlegs make?

Longlegs was a major box office success, grossing $128 million worldwide. It earned $74.3 million in the United States and Canada and $53.6 million in other territories. The film was produced on a budget of less than $10 million, resulting in a significant net profit estimated at $48 million. It became the highest-grossing independent film of 2024 and Neon's highest-grossing domestic release ever.

What is Longlegs about?

Longlegs is a 2024 American psychological horror-mystery film set in the 1990s. The story follows FBI agent Lee Harker, who is assigned to hunt down an occult-obsessed serial killer responsible for a string of family murders across Oregon. The killer is dubbed Longlegs and leaves Satanic glyphs at the crime scenes. Harker uncovers a pattern in the murders and a personal connection to the killer.

Why was the Longlegs movie controversial?

Some audience members and critics raised concerns that the film's portrayal of the villain Longlegs had homophobic or transphobic undertones, citing the character's androgynous appearance and mannerisms. This led to comparisons to other controversial horror villains like Buffalo Bill. Director Osgood Perkins addressed a question on the topic by denouncing anti-trans behaviour but did not specifically elaborate on the character's design. The discourse formed part of the broader conversation around the film's reception.

Where was Longlegs filmed?

Longlegs was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Principal photography for the movie was scheduled to take place there from January 16 to February 23, 2023. The film was financed by Dave Caplan's C2 Motion Picture Group for a budget of less than $10 million. This production location was part of the film's overall development, which was announced in November 2022. The Vancouver shoot contributed to the film's 1990s setting and atmospheric horror.

Who plays the killer Longlegs?

The serial killer Longlegs is played by Nicolas Cage. His character is also known by the name Dale Ferdinand Kobble. Cage was not only the star but also a producer on the film under his Saturn Films banner. He came on board the project in February 2023 alongside co-star Maika Monroe. Cage's performance as the occult obsessed killer was widely noted in reviews and was a central part of the film's marketing, which deliberately concealed his look before release.

Sources and further reading

• Longlegs (Wikipedia)
• Longlegs (rottentomatoes.com)
• Nicolas Cage Returning for New 'Longlegs' Movie From ... (variety.com)
• Longlegs (2024) directed by Osgood Perkins (letterboxd.com)
• New Longlegs Movie in the Works from Nicolas Cage, ... (hollywoodreporter.com)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.