Longlegs: Easter Eggs, Trivia, and Hidden Facts You Missed

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“Longlegs,” directed by Osgood Perkins and released in 2024, stars Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage in a thriller horror tale of an FBI agent chasing a serial killer with occult ties. It grossed $126 million worldwide on a budget under $10 million, becoming Neon’s highest-grossing film.

Easter Eggs and References

The movie is rich with Easter eggs, notably over 15 hidden Devil appearances, such as a horned creature in background scenes. It draws from “The Silence of the Lambs” with similarities in character outfits and plot, and includes nods to “Annabelle” with possessed doll themes and “Psycho” due to the director’s lineage. Unexpectedly, it also references “Twin Peaks” with red carpets and bar settings, and compares Longlegs’ car to Ted Bundy’s, adding historical horror depth.

Behind-the-Scenes Facts

Behind the scenes, Maika Monroe met Nicolas Cage only during their intense interrogation scene, with her heart rate hitting 170 bpm. Cage’s performance was inspired by his mother’s schizophrenia, and the film’s 1990s setting avoided modern tech for isolation. The score, by director’s brother Elvis Perkins under Zilgi, and guerrilla marketing like “The Blair Witch Project,” highlight its production uniqueness.

Comprehensive Analysis of “Longlegs” Easter Eggs, Trivia, and Facts

“Longlegs,” a 2024 American thriller horror film directed by Osgood Perkins, has captivated audiences with its blend of psychological and supernatural horror. Starring Maika Monroe as FBI agent Lee Harker and Nicolas Cage as the enigmatic serial killer Longlegs, the film was released on July 12, 2024, by Neon. It achieved significant box office success, grossing $126 million worldwide on a budget of less than $10 million, making it Neon’s highest-grossing film domestically and the highest-grossing independent film of the year. This survey note delves into the Easter eggs, trivia, and facts surrounding “Longlegs,” offering a detailed exploration for horror enthusiasts and cinephiles.

Plot and Reception

The narrative follows Harker as she investigates a series of murder-suicides linked to an occultist serial killer, uncovering personal connections and supernatural elements. Set in the 1990s, the film’s choice of era avoids modern technology, enhancing its isolated, eerie atmosphere. Critically, it received positive reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 86%, praised for its unsettling mood and Cage’s performance, though some audiences gave it a CinemaScore of “C+” and a PostTrak score of 70%.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Several intriguing facts emerged from the production process, adding depth to the viewing experience:

  • First Meeting Dynamics: Maika Monroe did not meet Nicolas Cage until their interrogation scene, a strategic choice to heighten tension. During this encounter, her heart rate was recorded, reaching 170 bpm compared to a resting 76 bpm, captured via a mic taped to her chest (Hollywood Reporter).
  • Personal Inspiration: Cage’s portrayal was deeply personal, inspired by his mother, who had schizophrenia and severe depression, passed away in 2021. He described Longlegs as a tragic entity manipulated by voices, adding empathy to the character (Entertainment Weekly).
  • Character Design: Longlegs’ androgynous, glam rock appearance was inspired by Fellini’s “Juliet of the Spirits,” blending serial killer and supernatural aesthetics.
  • Temporal Setting: The 1990s setting was chosen to avoid modern tech, facilitating a sense of isolation, as noted in production discussions (HuffPost UK).
  • Score Composition: The film’s score was composed by Elvis Perkins, the director’s brother, under the pseudonym Zilgi, with contributions from sound designer Eugenio Battagila and others. It was released on July 12, 2024, on streaming platforms and vinyl (Wikipedia).
  • Marketing Tactics: Neon employed guerrilla marketing, similar to “The Blair Witch Project,” using clips, images, and coded messages, accumulating 30 million views on YouTube promotional videos, enhancing pre-release buzz (Wikipedia).

Easter Eggs and References

“Longlegs” is laden with Easter eggs, many of which are nods to horror classics, enhancing its intertextual richness:

  • Hidden Devil Appearances: Director Osgood Perkins hid over 15 appearances of the Devil, including a horned creature outline as Lee walks out of frame and the Devil looming over young Lee on her bed, as highlighted in a Neon super-cut video (Collider).
  • “The Silence of the Lambs” References: The film draws heavily from Jonathan Demme’s work, with Lee’s outfit resembling Agent Starling, a butterfly poster, and similarities in the killer’s modus operandi (Longlegs vs Buffalo Bill), movement through the house, and gun holding, noted in fan discussions (Reddit).
  • “Annabelle” Connections: A blurred rag doll in a scene echoes the possessed doll theme, a clear nod to the “Conjuring” universe, as mentioned in Reddit threads (Reddit).
  • “Psycho” Homage: A shot of water/blood down the drain and the director being Anthony Perkins’ son (Norman Bates’ actor) add a meta-layer, discussed in fan analyses (Reddit).
  • “Babadook” Echoes: A T-Rex poster reminiscent of Babadook’s hat and a screaming car scene, though considered a reach by some, were noted (Reddit).
  • “The Shining” Influences: 1970s-esque beetle and possible murder weapon references, though vague, were suggested (Reddit).
  • Ted Bundy Comparison: Longlegs’ car was compared to Ted Bundy’s, adding a historical horror layer, as discussed in comments (Reddit).
  • “Twin Peaks” Vibes: Red carpet, waitresses in bar backgrounds, first chapter atmosphere, and log cabin home vibes were noted, enhancing the film’s eerie setting (Reddit).
  • “The Conjuring Universe” Link: Red eyes of the devil under a black veil, similar to “The Nun,” were spotted, as mentioned in fan comments (Reddit).
  • Other Horror References: Additional nods include “Hereditary,” “The Dark Knight” (Joker), “Jigsaw,” “Phantasm,” “Twin Peaks,” house wrapping like “Amityville Horror,” music reminiscent of “The Shining,” Zodiac Killer symbols, screeching title sound like “Insidious,” and mentions of Ted Bundy and Manson murders, all discussed in fan forums (Reddit).

Additional Observations

The film’s use of a Polaroid camera, popular in the 1990s, serves as a historical accuracy nod, enhancing its period authenticity. Fan discussions on platforms like Reddit suggest multiple viewings are needed to catch all Easter eggs, with some, like a metal ball on Agent Carter’s desk, hinting at deeper plot connections (Reddit).

“Longlegs” is a treasure trove of Easter eggs and trivia, blending personal inspirations, horror homages, and innovative production choices. Its success and depth make it a standout in 2024’s horror landscape, inviting viewers to look closer for hidden details.

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