‘Longlegs’ takes the box office by storm: A new indie horror sensation

A surprising hit in the horror genre

Longlegs has proven to be a formidable contender at the box office, amassing an impressive $58.6 million in North America within just three weeks of its release. This occult-themed thriller has not only captivated audiences but also set a new benchmark as the highest-grossing indie horror film of the last decade.

Breaking records and surpassing expectations

In achieving this milestone, Longlegs has outperformed previous indie horror successes such as Talk to Me, which garnered $48 million domestically. While Talk to Me boasts a higher global tally of $92.1 million, Longlegs has accumulated $62 million worldwide to date, showcasing its strong domestic appeal.

Neon’s crowning achievement

For Neon, the film’s distributor, Longlegs has become their highest-grossing film ever, surpassing the Oscar-winning Parasite, which earned $53.36 million in North America. This is a significant achievement for Neon, which typically focuses on domestic distribution and does not control all international markets for its films.

The journey to success

Longlegs debuted earlier in July and quickly became a sleeper hit. It raked in $22.6 million during its opening weekend, setting a new box office record for Neon. This surpassed the previous record held by Immaculate, a religious horror film starring Sydney Sweeney, which opened with $5.3 million in March. To put this into perspective, only 15 independent studio releases in the past decade have opened above $20 million.

Sustained momentum

The film’s momentum continued into its second weekend, with ticket sales reaching $11.7 million, marking a 48% decline from its debut. In its third weekend, Longlegs earned $6.7 million from 2,730 theaters, maintaining a strong presence in the box office.

A low-budget triumph

One of the key factors behind Longlegs‘ success is its low production cost. With a budget under $10 million, Neon also kept marketing expenses minimal, focusing on a digital-centric campaign that cost roughly the same as the film’s production. This strategy resulted in substantial profit margins, making Longlegs a financially savvy project.

The story behind the film

Directed by Osgood Perkins, Longlegs stars Maika Monroe, known for her role in It Follows, as F.B.I. Agent Lee Harker. The plot revolves around Harker’s pursuit of a serial killer known as Longlegs, played by Nicolas Cage. The case takes a dark and personal turn when Harker discovers a sinister connection to the murderer, compelling her to stop him before he strikes again.

Reflections for cinema enthusiasts

For fans of cinema, Longlegs is a testament to the power of storytelling and the allure of the horror genre. Its success underscores the potential for indie films to make a significant impact, even in a market dominated by big-budget blockbusters. The film’s ability to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative and strong performances highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in filmmaking.

A deeper dive into the horror genre

The horror genre has always had a unique ability to draw audiences, offering a blend of fear, suspense, and psychological intrigue. Longlegs taps into these elements, delivering a story that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. For those who appreciate the art of horror, the film’s success is a reminder of the genre’s enduring appeal and its capacity to push boundaries.

Final thoughts

Longlegs‘ remarkable performance at the box office is a celebration of indie filmmaking and the horror genre. It serves as an inspiration for filmmakers and a thrilling experience for audiences. As the film continues to make waves, it will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout success in the world of cinema.

For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Longlegs.