LONGLEGS Director Oz Perkins Has a Horror Movie History Worth Exploring

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As a huge fan of Oz Perkins‘ films, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing his evolution as a director through his unique and haunting works. I was captivated by the understated elegance and underrated brilliance of “Gretel & Hansel,” a modern retelling of the classic fairytale that explores themes of parental abandonment, trauma, and the dark power within us all.

As a passionate gamer and horror movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my excitement about “Longlegs,” the latest chilling masterpiece featuring Nicolas Cage, which has taken the cinema world by storm under Neon’s production. The opening weekend box office numbers speak for themselves, raking in an impressive $22.6 million – a record-breaking achievement for any independent horror film.

Horror enthusiasts are thrilled that Perkins is finally receiving recognition for his talents in horror films. With a lineage that includes the legendary Anthony Perkins, who brought Norman Bates to life in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” it’s no surprise that Perkins was destined for this genre. Tragically, Perkins’ father succumbed to AIDS in 1992. Even more heartbreaking is the fact that his mother, actress and photographer Berry Berenson, perished on American Airlines Flight 11 during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The events that Oz went through appeared to push him towards creating horror stories. According to what he shared with the AV Club in 2017, this genre serves as a disguise for conveying tales of sorrow, anguish, and family turmoil to a large audience. It captivates viewers and draws them into a story that might otherwise be challenging to connect with emotionally. Oz’s filmmaking career, as evidenced by his interviews, reveals that he employs movies as a means to examine the traumas within his own family.

If you’ve recently discovered the horrors of Perkins with the film “Longlegs” and are eager to explore more of his work, here’s a simple guide. I’ll explain each movie, why it’s worth watching, and how they contribute to Oz Perkins being an underestimated master of horror with a unique understanding of our shared fears as a generation.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)

As a gamer and a horror fan, I’d say this: Although The Blackcoat’s Daughter was Oz Perkins’ second film in terms of release date, it was his first project where he wrote, directed, and filmed every detail. Released in 2017 with minimal buzz, it missed the wave created by A24’s groundbreaking horror movie Hereditary in 2018. But not everything happens according to plan – The Blackcoat’s Daughter became a hidden gem that dedicated horror enthusiasts can discover for themselves. And isn’t that part of the thrill of being a fan? Finding those hidden gems that may not have been in the spotlight but are worth exploring.

As a gamer and a fan of horror stories, I’d highly recommend experiencing “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” in a more intimate setting. It’s not your typical jump-scare flick that would make for an exciting Friday night movie in a crowded theater. Instead, it delivers a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere that creeps up on you gradually. The film is filled with unexpected twists, and the final shocker completely alters your perspective, connecting all the timelines in a beautifully deranged Gothic bow.

In this film, Kiernan Shipka and Lucy Boynton portray two adolescent girls at a Catholic school, anticipating their parents’ arrival for the winter holiday. Concurrently, Emma Roberts assumes the role of an individual who has escaped from a mental institution. The atmosphere is reminiscent of “Longlegs,” as both productions exhibit a similar chilliness and desolation, with characters seemingly devoid of vitality and burdened by an unspecified sadness. Additionally, like “Longlegs,” “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” explores themes of identity and family trauma through the perspective of Satanic influences.

An intriguing aspect of the movie lies in its assertive portrayal of Perkins’ unique perspective. Every film follows a similar melancholic theme. The visuals are stripped of vibrancy, and characters hover on the edge of madness. It resonates with our current experience, encapsulating the sensation of profound despair that can make evil seem alluring. Despite its disturbing nature, it strikes a chord with us, highlighting Perkins’ skillful depiction of how darkness insidiously seeps in and the consequences of succumbing to it.

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)

The initial gothic horror film by Perkins, which was recently unveiled, revives an often neglected subgenre. Although we have recent offerings like Mike Flanagan’s “Haunting” series and the less-discussed “The Little Stranger,” it seems that the haunted house movie has fallen out of favor. It’s unfortunate because there’s nothing quite as captivating as a well-done haunted house film.

In this rendition, Perkins skillfully employs the genre’s elements. The movie focuses on Iris Blum (Paula Prentiss), a former novelist residing in an isolated Massachusetts manor. Her caretaker engages a live-in nurse, Lily (Ruth Wilson), to look after her. Straightaway, Lily feels uneasy. She encounters a spectral woman haunting the corridors. Perplexing molds creep up on the walls. Unseen powers snatch items from her grasp. As she delves deeper into the house, she pieces together its enigmatic history and Iris’s ties to it.

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House is another example of Perkins reconciling his own family demons. According to interviews, the film was an attempt to connect with his deceased father. Interesting, in that the film is about the complicated relationship between two women. Though the genders don’t correspond, it’s easy to see how Perkins used the movie to explore the tension that exists between the living and the dead. There’s the need for answers that will never come clearly and the acceptance that even the answers won’t save us in the end.

As a big fan of Oz Perkins’ work, I must admit that this movie doesn’t rank among his best in my opinion. It’s described as a brooding chamber piece, yet it leaves me feeling frustrated due to its maddeningly slow pace. At the time of making this film, it seems Oz hadn’t quite perfected pacing, resulting in unnecessary dragging in crucial scenes. However, despite these shortcomings, I find myself drawn to this intriguing addition to his filmography. The chilling atmosphere that is synonymous with Oz Perkins is ever-present, and there are haunting visuals that pierce through the monotony. This is a horror filmmaker delving into the darker recesses of his genre, honing his craft for future endeavors.

Gretel & Hansel (2020)

Perkins’ film “Gretel & Hansel,” although not self-penned, maintains a deeply personal touch. It’s his most refined work, yet unfortunately underappreciated. Surprisingly so, considering its visual resemblance to films such as “Midsommar” and “The Witch.” These movies gained popularity more easily in the cultural scene. Perhaps it was due to its limited distribution or being produced by Orion Pictures that prevented a larger audience from discovering its depth and haunting visuals.

In a fresh twist on the classic Brothers Grimm tale “Hansel and Gretel,” the movie centers around Gretel (Sophia Lillis) as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Accompanied by her younger brother Hansel (Sam Leakey), they venture into the forest, where they encounter an elder witch named Holda (Alice Krige). Contrary to the original story, Holda presents herself as a protector and teacher to Gretel, revealing her own sorrowful past. As their bond deepens, Holda employs witchcraft to help Gretel unlock her innate magical abilities. However, with Hansel still in danger due to Holda’s cannibalistic tendencies, Gretel must find a way to balance her newfound powers and protect her brother.

In simpler terms, Perkins was drawn to the story of “Gretel & Hansel” despite having no script involvement. The film deals with themes of parental neglect and abuse, showcasing how these experiences can shape a child’s perspective, leading them down a path of empathy as well as darkness within. The horror of being left alone and at the mercy of powerful figures, such as Satanic witches and cruel mothers, is brilliantly portrayed in this film. The visual elements of Holda’s triangle house, blackened fingers, fiery amber hues, and contrasting light and dark, create an eerie atmosphere that sets the stage for Perkins’ next successful project, “Longlegs.”

Longlegs (2024)

In simpler terms, “Longlegs” is a pivotal point in Perkins’ educational journey, whether watched first or last. It’s a blend of mounting anxiety and intense violence to keep the audience engaged. The movie boasts stunning visuals, ranging from Satanic symbols to Oregon landscapes blanketed with snow. It explores themes of troubled parenthood and its long-term impact on children. Perkins described this film as his way to grapple with his intricate relationship with his late mother. She was a woman he deeply loved, but she concealed his father’s homosexuality and illness from their children, an act that left a lasting scar on their family. What lengths do parents go to shield us, and does it truly provide safety? “Longlegs” tackles this complex issue.

The movie shocks us into confronting both the depicted reality and our own deep-rooted issues. It’s not just the overt terror that’s unsettling, but also the hidden horrors beneath the surface – the shortcomings of our criminal justice system, the unexpected sources of evil, and the long-term effects of childhood trauma on our brains and social abilities. These are themes we grapple with in today’s society, despite the film being set in the 1990s. However, it’s important to note that these issues continue to recur – often in a disturbingly graphic manner.

Oz Perkins unearthed the deep-rooted terror and brought it to life in an exceptional horror film. With this newfound ability, it’s intriguing to contemplate where his talent will take him next, shedding light on the secrets of his creativity, our own fears, and the power of personal art to be the most chilling experience of all.

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2024-07-17 21:33