Longlegs

The cinematography in Longlegs is undeniably bold and inventive, which is a huge part of what makes the film visually memorable. But for me, it doesn’t quite hit the mark consistently. There are moments where the visuals are haunting and atmospheric, and then others where the stylistic choices—like the shifting aspect rations—pull you out of the story. It’s a mixed bag, but there’s still a lot to appreciate here. Let’s break it down.

Visual Aesthetics

Visually, Longlegs thrives on a sense of unease. The color palette is icy and muted, drenched in cold blues and greys that make the whole world feel detached and lifeless. That stark aesthetic works well for the horror tone, creating an oppressive atmosphere that lingers throughout the film.

What really stood out for me was the lighting. It’s mostly practical—streetlights, dim interiors, natural daylight—and it makes every environment feel grounded, even when things spiral into the surreal. Shadows are used sparingly but effectively, stretching across walls or creeping into corners, leaving you constantly second-guessing what might be hiding there.

Storytelling through Cinematography

This is where Longlegs really shines. The visuals aren’t just pretty—they tell you so much about the characters and the story. The framing often isolates characters within the environment, showing just how trapped or insignificant they are. You’ll see wide shots of barren landscapes or empty rooms, making you feel like the characters are completely alone in a world that’s turned its back on them.

Then there’s how the camera captures the antagonist. You rarely get a full look at them, just glimpses—a silhouette here, a close-up of their hands there. This fragmented approach makes them feel more monstrous because your imagination fills in the gaps. It’s classic horror storytelling done incredibly well.

Camera Work

The camera movements are deliberately slow and methodical. This isn’t a film that rushes through its scares. Instead, it lingers, making you hyper-aware of the smallest details in the frame. There’s a lot of tension built through long takes and tracking shots, where the camera follows a character down a hallway or into a room, making you feel like you’re being pulled along with them.

When things do escalate, the camera reflects that chaos. Handheld shots and sudden pans add to the feeling of disorientation, especially during the film’s most intense sequences. It’s a mix of control and unpredictability that keeps you on edge throughout.

Technical Mastery

Here’s where Longlegs gets interesting. The film was shot primarily on ARRI ALEXA Mini LF cameras for the digital footage and supplemented with ARRICAM Lite for sequences that required a more textured, filmic look. The combination gives the film a unique visual dynamic that shifts depending on the mood of the scene.

Lens choices were another standout. The ARRI Signature Primes provided a crisp, clean look for the more grounded moments, while Cooke S4/i lenses added a slightly vintage warmth that softened the more surreal sequences. The frequent changes in focal length helped play with depth of field, isolating characters while blurring the environment into something dreamlike—or nightmarish.

While the technical execution is impressive, the frequent changes in aspect ratio were a gamble that didn’t fully pay off for me. Switching between widescreen and 4:3 seemed to be aiming for a thematic point, but it often felt like a stylistic choice that called too much attention to itself.

Use of Space and Environment

This is where Longlegs really shines. The way the environments are used to heighten the tension is brilliant. The sprawling, barren fields feel isolating, while the tight, suffocating interiors make you hyper-aware of every creak and shadow. The framing often leaves negative space, daring you to look for something lurking in the background—or to brace yourself for something that never comes.

It’s a clever way to keep the audience on edge without needing constant action or effects. The environments feel alive, almost as if they’re part of the horror themselves.

Consistency and Intent

The cinematography in Longlegs is clearly ambitious, but it’s not always consistent. At its best, it draws you into the story and amplifies the dread. At its worst, it feels like it’s trying too hard to be different, which ends up pulling you out of the experience. The constant changes in frame dimensions are the biggest offender—they make it hard to stay fully immersed in the world of the film.

That said, I can respect the intent. It’s clear that the filmmakers wanted the cinematography to feel like a character in its own right, and there are definitely moments where it succeeds. It’s just not as seamless or cohesive as it could have been.

Conclusion

Longlegs is a visually ambitious film that takes some big swings with its cinematography. While there are moments of genuine brilliance—especially in the way space and light are used to build tension—the overall execution feels a little uneven. The changing aspect ratios and some of the more experimental camera work, while unique, ultimately detract from the experience for me.

That said, the technical mastery behind the scenes is impressive, and the film still manages to deliver a haunting atmosphere that sticks with you. It’s a solid 3/5 for me—definitely worth watching for its visuals, but not without its flaws

My Favourite Frames