In a riveting new promo for the eagerly anticipated horror film “Longlegs,” aptly named “Heartbeat,” audiences are given an electrifying sneak peek into the intense first encounter between Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. This hair-raising scene, where Monroe’s character, FBI agent Lee Harker, beholds Cage’s chilling portrayal of the serial killer Longlegs for the very first time, is nothing short of heart-stopping—literally. The film’s crew captured Monroe’s heart rate during this bone-chilling moment, which soared to an astonishing 170 beats per minute.
Reflecting on the experience, Monroe described it as an indelible moment etched in her memory. “When I walked in and saw Nicolas Cage as Longlegs, that was a visceral experience I’ll never forget,” Monroe shared, her voice resonating with the lingering impact of that day. Though the promo shrewdly refrains from fully revealing Cage’s transformation, the raw fear evident in Monroe’s demeanor serves as a powerful testament to Cage’s spine-chilling metamorphosis into the character.
Accompanying the goosebump-inducing footage, the promo offers a promotional post stating, “The first time Maika Monroe saw Nicolas Cage as Longlegs, her heart rate hit 170 bpm.” The heat around this film is palpable, with its theatrical release set for July 12, and the poster’s direct tease amplifies the anticipation.
The narrative of “Longlegs” unravels as FBI agent Lee Harker dives into a labyrinthine case, fraught with occult undertones and linked intimately with a relentless killer who shares a grim history with her. With stakes spiraling higher, Harker finds herself racing against time to avert another family from meeting a gruesome fate at the hands of this merciless adversary.
Director Oz Perkins delves into the rationale behind the strategic decision to keep Cage’s character cloaked in mystery. “It’s driving people towards a freak show at a circus tent. We’ve got the thing behind the curtain, and when there’s enough people gathered ‘round, we’re going to pull the curtain.
.” The deliberate shroud of secrecy enveloping Longlegs stirs a sense of anticipatory dread, compelling audiences to flock to theaters for the ultimate reveal.
Nicolas Cage offers a profound comparison of his character to a perilous substance. “The monster is a highly, highly dangerous substance. The way it’s moved, unveiled, deployed has to be treated very carefully.” His insight underscores the meticulous care taken to build suspense around the enigmatic and nightmarish persona of Longlegs. Cage’s reputation for immersing himself in his roles underscores the transformative power he brings to this chilling character.
“Longlegs” has received early comparisons to iconic psychological thrillers, such as “The Silence of the Lambs.” This comparison sets a high bar, hinting at the film’s potential to leave a lasting imprint on its genre. Neon’s viral marketing campaign for “Longlegs” has also become a notable discussion point. Leveraging this strategy, the film has generated substantial chatter, further fueling the excitement for its release.
The film industry is abuzz with excitement and curiosity, as the bread crumbs left by the promo have done their work, enticing audiences with just a whisper of the terror and intensity that awaits them in “Longlegs.”
As theaters prepare for the grand premiere of “Longlegs” on July 12, fans and critics alike are on edge, eager to witness the full extent of Nicolas Cage’s dark venture into the heart and mind of a serial killer. Maika Monroe’s unforgettable reaction and the suspense-laden build-up have amplified the allure of the film, promising a harrowing cinematic experience that will have viewers at the edge of their seats.
