‘Longlegs’: This Film is Revolutionizing Horror Marketing by Shattering a Major Trope
A compelling movie trailer should set the tone, target the right audience, and provide an intriguing hook that leaves viewers eager for more. Unfortunately, recent trends show that many trailers spoil key plot points or reveal too much of the story, diminishing the excitement for the actual film. This has led to frustration among audiences who feel that trailers often give away too much, undermining their desire to see the full movie.
A notable exception to this trend is the horror film ‘Longlegs’, directed by Osgood Perkins. Unlike many modern trailers that over-reveal, ‘Longlegs’ has garnered significant attention for its minimalist and mysterious marketing strategy. Instead of showcasing major plot points or twists, the film’s trailers use a haunting montage of family photos, cryptic symbols, and eerie music to build suspense. This approach has generated buzz by leaving much of the plot shrouded in mystery.
Image Courtesy: People
The initial trailer for ‘Longlegs’ featured a voiceover and a series of enigmatic images, creating curiosity without disclosing the film’s core details. This strategy has sparked speculation and engagement from horror and mystery enthusiasts, drawing comparisons to the marketing approach of ‘The Blair Witch Project’. As the film’s promotional campaign progressed, the trailers continued to tease rather than reveal, encouraging viewers to decode symbols and engage with the content more interactively.
Perkins, known for his atmospheric and unsettling horror films like ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ and ‘I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House’, continues his tradition of creating immersive and haunting narratives. ‘Longlegs’ appears to maintain his focus on dark themes, possibly incorporating elements of religious horror and family trauma.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
The positive reception of ‘Longlegs’—with an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—demonstrates that a well-crafted, mysterious trailer can effectively build anticipation without spoiling the film. This approach offers a refreshing change from the common practice of over-disclosing and suggests a promising trend for future movie marketing.
–Farheen Ali
