Today, we’re diving deep into the eerie worlds of “Longlegs” and the cult classic “Carnival of Souls.” We’ll be exploring the thematic connections and the chilling similarities between these two films. So, if you’re a fan of psychological horror and supernatural thrills, these are must-see films.

“Longlegs,” directed by Osgood Perkins, is a 2024 horror film that’s been making waves with its supernatural twist on the serial killer genre. It stars Maika Monroe as Lee Harker, a psychically-gifted FBI agent, and Nicolas Cage as the elusive killer known as Longlegs.

On the other hand, “Carnival of Souls” is a 1962 cult classic directed by Herk Harvey. This film follows Mary Henry, a young woman who, after surviving a car accident, finds herself drawn to a mysterious, abandoned carnival. It’s a haunting exploration of life, death, and the liminal spaces in between.

First, both films heavily rely on supernatural elements to drive their narratives. In “Longlegs,” the supernatural is interwoven with the occult, as we see possessed dolls and references to the devil. The film’s antagonist, Longlegs, is revealed to be a pawn of Satan, adding a layer of demonic horror to the story.

Similarly, “Carnival of Souls” uses supernatural elements to create a sense of unease and disorientation. Mary Henry is haunted by ghostly figures and experiences visions that blur the lines between what’s real and what may be the afterlife.

Both films use liminal, in-between spaces, to heighten the horror. In “Longlegs,” the basement where the dolls are created and the FBI’s interrogation room serve as settings where reality and the supernatural are the same.

In “Carnival of Souls,” the abandoned carnival itself is the ultimate liminal space; a place where the living and the dead meet and interact, creating a pervasive sense of dread and mystery.

In “Longlegs,” Lee Harker’s quest to uncover the truth about the serial killer leads her to confront her own past and family secrets. Her journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about stopping the killer and the focus of the film changes in unusual ways.

Mary Henry’s journey in “Carnival of Souls” is also one of self-discovery, though it’s shrouded in mystery and existential dread. Her encounters with the supernatural force her to question her own existence and ultimately accept a horrifying truth about herself.

Both “Longlegs” and “Carnival of Souls” offer deep, psychological horror by exploring themes of the supernatural, liminal spaces, and the protagonists’ journeys of self-discovery. These films remind us that the most terrifying monsters are often the ones lurking within our own minds and lives.