Osgood Perkins' horror film Longlegs, which debuted early this year, is taking streaming by storm. Following its release on Hulu, the film has quickly climbed the charts to become the platform's most popular movie, outperforming cinematic giants like Avatar and Titanic. With its gripping plot and masterful suspense, Longlegs has solidified its place as one of the standout films of 2024.
Directed by Perkins and starring acclaimed actor Nicolas Cage as the titular serial killer, the narrative centers on FBI agent Lee Harker, portrayed by Maika Monroe. Harker is assigned to investigate unsettling murder-suicide cases within the ominous backdrop of Oregon, which may hold secrets tied to her own history. The film's tagline succinctly encapsulates the plot: "FBI Agent Lee Harker is a gifted new recruit assigned to the unsolved case of an elusive serial killer."
Before its release, Longlegs built up significant hype thanks to its unconventional marketing campaign. Perkins collaborated with the independent distribution studio Neon to create mysterious promotional materials, utilizing cryptic emails and eerie billboards featuring phone numbers leading to chilling pre-recorded messages. This strategy successfully piqued audience interest without giving away too much of the film's plot, positioning Longlegs as one of the most anticipated horror releases of the year.
Upon release, the film grossed over $126 million at the box office, establishing itself as the highest-grossing independent film of the year. With production costs under $10 million, it is clear the film has struck a chord with audiences, as it made over $10 million on its first day alone. Perkins reflected on the success of Longlegs, stating, "I thought it was funny as sht. I laugh more than anybody... Maika Monroe had a hard time with me because I laughed through most of her scenes to be honest." It's evident he found humor within the chilling elements of his creation.
Perkins, who was relatively less known prior to Longlegs, has shown substantial growth as a filmmaker with his unique storytelling style and distinct visual flair. The film taps deep psychological threads, linking the disturbing events to Harker's complicated past, making the horror feel even more personal and impactful. Perkins' signature touches of cult activity and supernatural themes resonate throughout the film, tying it to the lineage of excellent horror cinema.
Following the impressive launch of Longlegs, Perkins swiftly moved to release his next film, The Monkey, which debuted later this month. Based on the eponymous short story by Stephen King, The Monkey dives deep within the absurdities of horror, illustrating the intersection of comedy and tragedy. Perkins hinted at the relationship between his two films, stating, "They're in conversation with each other because they're both made by me, and I'm sort of figuring out the same sht in all the movies." This connection reveals themes of generational trauma wrapped within the absurd, distinctly Perkins' trademark style.
With Longlegs now seeing immediate streaming success, all eyes are on Perkins as he navigates the future of his career and continues to expand his body of work. The heavy buzz surrounding his name suggests horror enthusiasts are eager for what he will create next. His ability to blend genuine scares with thought-provoking narratives distinguishes him within the genre.
For anyone seeking engaging horror content, Perkins’ films, especially Longlegs, serve as both terrors and self-reflections, marking him as one to watch closely within the horror film industry. It seems audiences are not only craving horror but perhaps something more—a chance to confront the fears woven within the stories we tell.
With the horror genre steadily gaining momentum, Perkins’ growth as a filmmaker signals inspiring tales yet to emerge. Countless fans await his next projects, excited to unravel the layers of his unique storytelling.