Osgood Perkins horror movies have gained a cult following for their innovative approach to the genre, and his latest release, Keeper, continues this trend with a mysterious narrative and a haunting conclusion. After rising to prominence with 2024’s acclaimed film Longlegs, Perkins delivers another suspense-filled experience, this time bringing together an unsettling cast and supernatural terror in remote woods.
Building on Longlegs: A New Direction in Horror
Coming off the critical and commercial buzz from Longlegs, which starred Maika Monroe and a particularly memorable performance by Nicolas Cage, Osgood Perkins has cemented his place among modern directors who shape unsettling atmospheres within horror cinema. Longlegs was notable for its deep dive into various horror subgenres, creating a chilling experience through both storyline and striking visuals that linger with viewers. In that film, Perkins constructed unforgettable scenes, such as disturbing looks, grisly deaths, and hints of hidden evil, elevating the movie beyond standard genre fare.
With Keeper, Perkins maintained an air of secrecy reminiscent of Longlegs’ promotional strategy, revealing almost nothing about the plot in advance. This decision ensured that viewers entered the theater with little idea of what to expect, intensifying the film’s brooding suspense right from the start. Perkins orchestrates a slow yet nerve-wracking build-up, making each reveal more impactful while sustaining a dark, mysterious tone throughout the movie’s length.
Surprises in Keeper: Mystery and Terrifying Creatures
Unlike the widespread critical praise for Longlegs, Keeper has had a more mixed reception, evident in its Rotten Tomatoes scores. Nevertheless, the shocking resolution of Keeper stands out and showcases Perkins’ characteristic trait of subverting horror expectations. In this film, the central unease is shaped by the complex relationship between Liz, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, and Malcolm, played by Rossif Sutherland. The tension between them gradually gives way to revelations even more unsettling than their own dynamic.
The true horror of Keeper emerges from supernatural beings lurking within and around Malcolm’s isolated cabin. These entities are implied to be descendants of a woman accused of witchcraft centuries earlier. Malcolm maintains a precarious immortality by feeding these grotesque creatures, each boasting distinctive, terrifying features that unsettle both characters and audience.
One such creature—a ghostly, screaming figure with a pale face—is the first to be clearly seen and sets the tone for the growing supernatural dread. The most disturbing monster, however, is depicted with heads displaying the faces of Malcolm’s previous victims, women sacrificed as part of his dark pact. These images provide the kind of shocking, lingering visual impact that has become a hallmark of Osgood Perkins horror movies.
Casting and Performances Enhance the Fear
Tatiana Maslany delivers an intense performance as Liz, navigating the escalating dangers and the mysteries of Malcolm’s world. Rossif Sutherland’s portrayal of Malcolm adds further depth to the atmosphere of dread and secrecy that defines the movie’s tone. The cast is rounded out by Christin Park as Leslie and Birkett Turton as Darren, both of whom contribute to the eerie, claustrophobic tension within the cabin setting.
Keeper’s Ending: Lasting Images and Expectations
By the film’s conclusion, viewers are confronted with a shocking revelation that ties together Keeper’s suspense whilst distinguishing Osgood Perkins from his peers. While Keeper may not achieve the box office or critical heights of Longlegs, its memorable images, especially those of its supernatural antagonists, serve as a testament to Perkins’ ongoing impact in horror.
The unique style and willingness to defy conventional horror narratives make each of Osgood Perkins horror movies an event among genre fans, keeping expectations high for each new release. With the haunting conclusion of Keeper, Perkins proves that even his lesser-received projects are capable of delivering moments that resonate long after audiences have left the theater, reinforcing his reputation as a master of horror imagery and unparalleled suspense.
