From a project that didn’t receive much attention, The Last Ritual (international title: Longlegs) has unexpectedly become one of the most talked-about horror films of the year. The film had a production budget of less than $10 million but grossed over $103 million upon release, making it the highest-grossing independent film of the year.
The film has been highly praised for its clever exploitation of psychological horror, while simultaneously creating a dense atmosphere of tension and dread. Notably, Nicolas Cage’s performance as a serial killer leaves a strong impression on viewers.
Combining Spirituality with Investigation
The film is set in Oregon during the 1990s. At this time, there were various unsolved murders occurring, with unclear motives and no leads. This only added to the sense of dread and mystery.
The only clue about the serial killer comes from the police: a series of cryptic messages found at the crime scenes, signed “Longlegs.”
The main character, Lee Harker (played by Maika Monroe), is a young FBI agent who has been pursuing this case for a long time. With her intelligence and bravery, she begins to uncover the common threads among the various crimes, gradually getting closer to the killer known as Longlegs.
However, Harker’s personal life is also affected by her obsession, as the darkness behind the cases becomes more intense than she ever imagined.
The Last Ritual is directed by Osgood Perkins, who is the son of famous actor Anthony Perkins, known for his role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960).
The screenplay is developed in a detective fiction style. The more the audience follows the traces of the killer, the more they feel the horror of the gruesome details that unfold. This style evokes many classic films such as The Silence of the Lambs, Cure, Zodiac, Se7en, and more.
As a result, the film does not rely on cheap jump scares but instead builds a pervasive atmosphere of dread and tension that lasts throughout.
The director effectively utilizes the setting, sound, and lighting to immerse viewers into a dark world. The film’s color palette emphasizes the cold and bleak atmosphere of the Oregon setting during the 1990s, and it also incorporates religious elements by quoting biblical verses to add depth to the story.
Many scenes are deliberately understated yet create a sense of unease and discomfort. Even when the killer appears, the story remains suffocatingly tense and gripping.
The film also contains several disturbing scenes, which may lead to it being rated R (restricted to viewers 18 and older) upon its release in Vietnam.
Nicolas Cage Stuns
Aside from Nicolas Cage, the cast is composed of lesser-known actors. However, few viewers might recognize the talent of the actor born in 1964. Cage fully immerses himself in the monstrous character he plays, making a strong mark as the enigmatic killer.
Although his appearances are limited, Cage’s portrayal of Longlegs is undeniably the film’s centerpiece. His performance showcases a range of emotions, with a focus on his eyes and subtle expressions.
Each time he appears, the unsettling gaze of Longlegs seems to dominate the frame, enhancing the film’s tense narrative.
Cage has received much praise for his performance, but he himself stated that this is the only time he would portray a character that kills indiscriminately. In an interview with IndieWire, he expressed feeling “fresh” with this role, adding that he “dislikes violence” and “doesn’t want to be in roles that harm other characters.”
Leading actress Maika Monroe, known for It Follows (2014), also leaves a significant impact through her role as Lee Harker. She captivates viewers as a determined police officer who is both empathetic and brave, never hesitating to confront evil.
Upon release, The Last Ritual received a “fresh” rating from critics, achieving an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the film sparked controversy among audiences, earning only a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb.
Most of the positive reviews highlight director Osgood Perkins’s ability to craft a compelling narrative, Cage’s performance, and the film’s stunning visuals.
However, the screenplay does have some flaws. The resolution of the plot feels somewhat simplistic, and the ending presents unexpected twists that may not resonate with the audience.
Overall, The Last Ritual does not offer groundbreaking ideas. Still, it attracts viewers by following in the footsteps of many iconic Hollywood horror films.
Moreover, the film’s box office success can be attributed to effective marketing strategies. Leading up to the release, the team continuously shared intriguing teasers and short videos online, creating buzz among audiences, which ultimately helped boost the film’s popularity.
