It’s only July, but we may already have our horror hit of the summer with Oz Perkins’ “Longlegs.” The film opened this weekend raking in $22.6 million at the box office. Not too shabby for a movie made on a budget of $10 million, a figure that includes production and advertising.
The Sucess of “Longlegs”
This is truly a remarkable feat for a small independent film. In the past decade, only 15 independent films have been able to hit the $20 million mark on opening weekend. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that this was done with an original IP, not a remake, sequel, or reimagining of an existing property. A habit the horror genre is notorious for.
John Squires, editor-in-chief of Bloody Disgusting, added more context for how impressive these numbers really are with a post on X (formally Twitter). Comparing these figures with horror darling A24 Films’ biggest releases.
These numbers aren’t just record-breaking for its distributor Neon but for the genre itself.
What’s it About?
The film centers around an FBI agent in pursuit of a serial killer. But her search uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree. “Longlegs” stars Maika Monroe (“It Follows”), Nicolas Cage (“Dream Scenario”), Blair Underwood (“Three Women”), and Alicia Witt (“Dune” 1984).
It is written and directed by Perkins whose previous works include 2015’s “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” 2016’s “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House,” and 2020’s “Gretel & Hansel.” He also directed an episode of Jordan Peele’s reboot of “The Twilight Zone.”
“Longlegs” is currently in theaters nationwide. You can check out the trailer below, and read our review here.
