Warning: This article contains spoilers for Longlegs
Summary
Alicia Witt’s performance as Ruth Harker inLonglegsis notable but also serves as a reminder to revisit her 1998 slasher film.Witt’s portrayal of Ruth puts the audience on edge, as it becomes clear that she might not be completely stable. The audience is right to be wary, as Ruth is revealed to be working with Longlegs and the devil in one ofLonglegs’scariest scenes. Witt’s acting is crucial since much of theending ofLonglegsis based on her ability to act sane in the presence of the Carter family.
Reviews ofLonglegspraise the film for breaking the mold and creating an original horror movie. However,horror is a genre that relies heavily upon following tropesto subvert audience expectations. A previous horror work of Alicia Witt fell victim to overplayed plotlines and clichés, causing it to be dismissed without much thought. However, after Witt’s performance inLonglegs, her 1998 horror film is worth revisiting.
Witt’s Notable Acting Roles
Where To Watch Longlegs: When & Where The 2024 Horror Will Arrive On Streaming
Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe headline the 2024 horror movie, and there are options for where to watch Longlegs on streaming.
Alicia Witt Played The Final Girl In 1998 Slasher Movie Urban Legend
Witt’s Natalie Was The Last Survivor In The Film
In Jamie Blanks’Urban Legend, Alicia Witt plays Natalie, the final girl who is the last survivor in a friend group at Pendleton University. Throughout the film, an unknown killer hunts Natalie and her peers, with urban legends being the inspiration for many of the murders.The movie is set apart by its plot, which brings a familiar fear of scary childhood stories to life. Much ofUrban Legendstill holds up over two decades later.
As opposed to her subdued performance as a possessed hoarder inLonglegs, Witt’s performance as Natalie is heartfelt as she tries to prevent her friends' deaths. Though the movie is often ridiculed for its cliché plot and scares, positive reviews praise Witt’s interpretation of Natalie. As opposed to other final girls, who are primarily innocent victims,Natalie is driven by fear, paranoia, and guiltfrom a mistake in her past.
Why Urban Legend Was Received Poorly At The Time (& Why It Needs Revisiting Now)
Urban Legend Was Dismissed As A Knockoff
Urban Legendwas created during an era of slasher revivals, thanks to the success ofScream, which came out two years before. Many films at the time were eager to capitalize on the plotline of a mystery murderer hunting popular teens. Due to this inspiration,Urban Legendwas dismissed as a knockoff ofScream. Over the past 26 years, the movie has amassed a mere 28% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus being the film is just average, especially given the context of its creation. None of the movies at the time earned the same acclaim and longevity asScream.
Urban Legendis not currently available to stream but can be rented online.
However,when removed from the context ofScream, the plot ofUrban Legendis more novel than it felt. While a singular spooky folktale is the basis for many films,Urban Legendexplores multiple in a 95-minute run time. Though some of the urban legends discussed in the film are less prevalent today, given updated technology, the movie still manages to create suspense and scares through its actors. Alicia Witt’s performance inLonglegsis just a sample of the acting that makesUrban Legenda fun and thrilling slasher that plays on our deep childhood fears.
Urban Legend
Cast
Urban Legend is a 1998 horror film directed by Jamie Blanks. Centered on a series of gruesome murders at a New England university, the film follows a group of students as they unravel the connection between the killings and various urban legends. The ensemble cast includes Jared Leto, Alicia Witt, and Rebecca Gayheart, weaving suspense and fear through its exploration of modern folklore.
