originals on iPlayer
Re-watched yesterday: Longlegs. This is the first time Iāve revisited this since seeing it at the cinema when it first came out. Even though I liked it well enough at that time, I think the fact that it didnāt land as the scariest movie ever (as the hype had promised) had me labelling this as a bit of a missed opportunity. Yet as so often happens, with the weight of expectation gone and not feeling the burden of trying to figure out where the narrative was going, I enjoyed this a lot more. I think what this does well from the outset is to establish a really dark tone that pretty much persists throughout. It all feels so heavy and pessimistic and provides a perfect backdrop to the weirdness that Perkins seems determined to explore. Cageās performance worked better for me this time too. First time round, it felt like he was at risk of derailing the whole thing. But now, knowing what to expect and knowing more about what Perkins was trying to attempt with the character, I kind of loved him here, and only wish we got more of him. Sure, it doesnāt all work ā it definitely prioritises mood over characterisation and Iām not sure that the plot would hold up to much scrutiny. But in terms of creating a film that feels like it has nothing but evil on its mind, I really enjoyed this.
Coincidentally, I also rewatched this recently and agree with most of your thoughts. Particularly about Nic Cage - on first watch, he was a LOT in this and some of it veered on comic which kind of punctured the mood. Second time around I found him much more creepy and also loved his performance. Still not convinced by the explanation at the end being up to the rest of the film/build up, but overall think this deserves its place as one of the best horrors of recent years. I find Iām doing this a bit with modern horror - enjoying them more on a second viewing. Thinking also Barbarian, His House and Smile 2 off the top of my headā¦
Need to get on Smile 2 as I really like the first one and have heard good things about the sequel. Speaking of Cage, have you seen The Surfer? I watched that without knowing anything but the basic premise and thought it was a really intriguing movieā¦
I have seen The Surfer! Heard some early word that it had a Wake In Fright vibe which was enough for me. Enjoyed it a lot - nice feverish nightmare feel. Julian McMahon, the main antagonist, died shortly after its release ![]()
Thatās too bad about the actorās death. Totally agree about the nightmarish vibes. I like that kind of thing when when itās not in the context of a film thatās explicitly setting out to be a horror film. Reminded me a bit of The Swimmer, another film where you start with a guy who seems more or less fine and then just watch their life dissolveā¦.
always struck me as a Fincher-type detective story, but centred around some weirdo horror genre stuff to give it an edge twist. That combo is just catnip to me so even with the flaws I took to it instantly

I know what you mean ![]()
Yep, this re-watch definitely had me picking up on some pretty strong Seven vibes, which is another movie that I really need to see againā¦
They Look Like People (2015).
No budget lo-fi New York, probably shot in days. Absolutely loved this. No spoilers or any indication from me about it at all. Actors I have never heard of. Use of the film feeling paused for real brief seconds when the tension is up. The overlay of the voice(s) in it. Go seek this inspirational indie gem out - for it is a 10/10 and the best first watch of a movie for me in a very, very long time.
I now very much want to see this film!
Just recently heard someone slagging this film off. Which surprised me as I think itās great ![]()
I loved how simple it was yet how you were always unsure what was really going on. Not really even a Horror movie maybe? Strong psychological grip and letting loose of that. It examines its themes in a refreshing way.
Apparently I only gave it 7/10, which surprises me as it has certainly stuck with meā¦
Might be worth a rewatch ![]()
Tenebrae (1982).
Dub Be Good To Me.
Okay, how the actual FUCK have I never seen this until tonight, a night in 2026! Argentoās best movie, for me, has always been Deep Red, and indeed Argento is steeped in 70ās cinema⦠yet this almost fresh feel and that early 1980ās look, WOW, I mean cāmon, is this his best movie? I am now questioning this. Truly. It has it all. Giallo perfection and that early 80ās blend. Brutal, engaging, twists like a motherfucker, makes Hitchcock feel like the distant past here. Soundtrack that practically predicts Daft Punk. This is a 10/10 movie. I havenāt seen Suspiria also, yikes! That needs to changeā¦
I first saw this a couple of years back and had pretty much the same reaction as you. Up to this, I loved Deep Red and Suspiria and have a lot of time for a bunch of his other stuff too (looking at you Four Flies on Grey Velvet) but for some reason just kept doubting all the folk that said that this is up there as one of his best. More fool me. Youāre so right about the soundtrack, just amazing. And yep, so many wonderful individual moments here like the tracking shot that climbs up the building and through the window because Argento. Really looking forward to hearing what you think of Suspiria. I love Deep Red but Suspiria will likely always be my favourite of his. Havenāt seen Dracula 3D yet, though, so you never knowā¦
This is my favourite Argento film ![]()
It is!
Exciteā¦
Love the first one
fine Iāll do it


