Is ‘Longlegs’ Based on A True Story?

Longlegs has proven to be the word-of-mouth horror hit of 2024 thus far. Starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage , this supernatural serial killer film has already horrified many audiences and is ready to horrify even more. There was already a lot of excitement about the film prior to its release, which was mostly due to the scary trailers and advertisements. All of this hype has made people wonder if there is some truth to this film and that a real Longlegs murderer, or someone who is similar, actually exists. Here is all of the information about the background on this film and the original source for its frightening story.

New Movies on Streaming: ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘Longlegs,’ + More

Longlegs centers around FBI Agent Lee Harker (Monroe), who is trying to catch a serial killer. Each of the murders she’s investigated has been framed as a family murder/suicide committed by the family’s patriarch, with a note being found of the scene of each crime that says “Longlegs” in handwriting that never belongs to the supposed killer of that household. Soon, it becomes clear that the killer is after Lee herself as she starts receiving messages and items that appear to be from the mysterious Longlegs. Lee is suspecting some supernatural and occult elements to these murders, which she has had brushes with before, but will she be able to get to the bottom of them before she is too late?

‘Longlegs’ Comes to Digital, But Will ‘Longlegs’ Be Streaming on Hulu?

The film was written and directed by Osgood Perkins , who has had a long history with horror films. His films include the psychological thriller The Blackcoat’s Daughter , the gothic movie I am the Pretty Thing that Lives in the House , and the fantasy horror film Gretel and Hansel . Perkins has actually had a connection to this genre since he was born, as he is the son of Anthony Perkins , known for playing Norman Bates in Psycho . Perkins even played a young version of his father’s character in Psycho II . Because of that history, it would be reasonable to say that horror is in his blood.

CLICK HERE TO GET EMAILS FROM DECIDER

While many people believe Longlegs is based on a real series of murders, that is not the case. Of course, it is a given that the elements involve the supernatural, clairvoyance, occultism, and Satan were made up. In addition to those details, even the murders themselves have no factual attachments to them. The story is completely fictitious and written entirely by Perkins. In an interview with Games Radar , Perkins stated, referring to this film, “All this stuff couldn’t be more fictionalized and totally made up.”

In order to get people excited about the film, Neon, the production company distributing Longlegs , took on some guerilla marketing tactics. This plan might be what caused some people to believe that the film has some truthful elements. That includes a website about these “murders.” If people go to thebirthdaymurders.net , people can find information on the Longlegs murderer, with fake details and photos that try to make the situation look real. The website goes into vivid detail about each of the victims, the investigation, suspects, and a reader’s column at the end, where people ask questions to the person who runs the website, known as a “friend of a friend.’ Many people first discovered this website through an advertisement that was printed in The Seattle Times , which was a whole page of odd symbols that were meant to come across as Satanic, with the top of the article saying “A paid advertisement from TheBirthdayMurders.net. It is clear that Neon wanted to go all out on their advertising and, based on the buzz for this film, it worked.

Longlegs is now available to stream from the comfort of your own couch (where no one can hear you scream, except of course your roommates, family, and neighbors). Be prepared for a viewing experience filled with terror.

For more entertainment news and streaming recommendations, visit decider.com