Oz Perkins's film Longlegs incorporates glam-rock signifiers like T. Rex's "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" and Lou Reed's Transformer album cover, but these elements serve more as a guide on how to watch the movie rather than a key to unlock its meaning. The story follows F.B.I. agent Lee Harker, played by Maika Monroe, as she tries to decode cryptic messages left by a serial killer named Longlegs, played by Nicolas Cage. As Lee delves deeper into the case, she uncovers surprising connections to her past and must confront her mother's religious beliefs. Perkins pays homage to '90s horror films like The Silence of the Lambs and Zodiac, while also channeling M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense with a thematic twist. Despite some missed opportunities in defining the film on its own terms, Longlegs keeps audiences on edge with its suspenseful storytelling and standout performances.