The Rome Film Festival has long been a platform for showcasing some of the most highly anticipated films of the year, and in 2024, it lived up to that expectation with the world premiere of the much-talked-about horror-thriller Longlegs.

Directed by the visionary Osgood Perkins and starring a stellar cast including Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, and Alicia Witt, the film made waves at the festival with its unique plot and stunning performances. The premiere, held on October 16, 2024, set the stage for what is expected to be one of the best horror releases of the year.

World Premiere of Longlegs

The world premiere of Longlegs was nothing short of spectacular. Held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, the venue was transformed into an immersive experience reflecting the eerie tone of the film. The entrance was adorned with elaborate, horror-themed decorations, setting the perfect mood for what lay ahead.

One of the standout features of the event was a life-sized replica of the eerie doll featured in the movie, complete with its high-energy metal orb, placed prominently at the venue entrance. This intricate display captured the attention of fans and celebrities alike, adding an extra layer of excitement and immersion.

Among the notable attendees were Elio Germano, Elena Radonicich, and Andrea Pennacchi, who mingled with fans and walked the red carpet. The star-studded event generated a palpable buzz, both for the film and the festival itself.

Longlegs Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, Longlegs plunges audiences into a gripping investigation filled with occult references, psychological terror, and unexpected twists. The film follows Lee Harker (portrayed by Maika Monroe), a rookie FBI agent who is thrust into a disturbing investigation in the rural woods of Oregon. A series of chilling family murders leads to a sinister figure—Longlegs, a mysterious killer responsible for orchestrating these gruesome crimes. Each murder scene involves a father killing his entire family before taking his own life, leaving behind cryptic letters signed “Longlegs.”

As Lee Harker digs deeper into the case, she discovers a dark connection between herself and the killer, unraveling secrets buried in her own past. This personal link between the protagonist and the villain propels the narrative into a race against time, as Harker must confront both her traumatic memories and the mounting threat of more innocent lives being taken.

The film’s exploration of fear, identity, and the supernatural, combined with Perkins’ direction, creates a compelling blend of psychological horror and procedural thriller that has captivated early audiences.

Starcast of Longlegs

The cast of Longlegs has been widely praised for their performances, particularly in bringing emotional depth and complexity to their characters. Here’s a closer look at the main cast:

Monroe delivers a captivating portrayal of Lee Harker, the determined and intuitive FBI agent haunted by both her psychic connection to the killer and her past. Monroe’s performance has been described as deeply layered, capturing the internal conflicts that arise as she balances her professional responsibilities with her emotional turmoil.

Nicolas Cage steps into the role of the film’s terrifying antagonist, Longlegs, a serial killer with a disfigured face and an ominous, malevolent presence. Cage’s portrayal is chilling, blending eerie calm with explosive menace. Critics have noted how Cage’s unique style brings a fresh intensity to the character, making Longlegs one of the most disturbing and memorable villains in recent horror films.

Blair Underwood plays William Carter, Lee’s experienced and supportive FBI supervisor. His role as a mentor and stabilizing force in Harker’s life is pivotal in grounding the chaotic investigation. Underwood’s portrayal adds a sense of gravitas to the film, providing the emotional anchor that helps balance the more supernatural elements of the plot.

As Ruth Harker, Lee’s estranged mother, Alicia Witt brings a haunting complexity to the role. Her character’s troubled past is revealed to hold crucial clues to the mystery, and Witt skillfully navigates the emotional intricacies of a strained mother-daughter relationship. The slow unraveling of her character’s significance adds suspense and emotional weight to the story.

Longlegs reviews and audience reactions

Early reactions from fans have been overwhelmingly positive. The intense atmosphere of Longlegs, combined with stellar performances, particularly from Monroe and Cage, has sparked a wave of excitement on social media. Many have dubbed it “the best horror film of 2024,” with fans and critics alike praising its intricate plot and haunting visuals.

Several fans took to Twitter and Instagram to share their thoughts on the film, with some describing it as “an instant classic” and “a true return to form for the psychological horror genre.” The film’s suspenseful pacing and terrifying set pieces have made it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.

On Rotten Tomatoes, Longlegs currently holds a commendable 88% rating, a strong indication of its appeal to both general audiences and horror aficionados. Critics have highlighted Perkins’ direction, which expertly balances tension and dread, while still allowing for moments of emotional depth and character development.

What can the fans expect?

With its gripping narrative, complex characters, and haunting atmosphere, Longlegs has already positioned itself as a standout horror-thriller for 2024. Its successful premiere at the Rome Film Festival has solidified its place as one of the must-see films of the year, especially for fans of the horror genre. The combination of Osgood Perkins’ direction and the powerhouse performances of the cast ensures that this film will leave a lasting impression.

As the film prepares for a wider release, it is expected to garner even more attention, potentially becoming a modern classic in the horror genre. With such an enthusiastic reception and strong early reviews, Longlegs is a film that demands to be seen, offering both psychological depth and terrifying thrills.