True Detective season 1 may seem irreplaceable, especially after the show’s season 4’s disappointingly divisive ending, but an upcoming Nicolas Cage horror movie could achieve what the HBO show’s seasons 2, 3, and 4 could not. Created by Nic Pizzolatto, True Detective season 1 dares to make viewers uncomfortable with its harrowing portrayal of the worst of humanity, a man’s struggle with existential dread, and undertones of cosmic horror. However, despite the disturbing nature of its subjects and the slow-burn progression of its story beats, it is hard to put down the show after its first few episodes.

Although True Detective has received three new seasons since the release of its first installment, none of its new additions have been able to match the high standards set by the opening one. True Detective season 5 could change this trend, but the shortcomings of the show’s seasons 2, 3, and 4 make it hard not to be skeptical. An upcoming Nicolas Cage movie, however, could serve as a worthy replacement for the HBO show’s season 1 even though it has no direct narrative connections with it.

Nicolas Cage’s Longlegs Movie Follows A Criminal Investigation With Occult Connections

Like True Detective, Longlegs Will Likely Be A Police Procedural With Supernatural Underpinnings

Most details surrounding Longlegs’ plot are still under wraps. Even the movie’s trailers and teasers have been ambiguous, revealing little to nothing about its storyline. However, as Longlegs’ official synopsis suggests, it focuses on FBI agent Lee Harker, who is asked to handle the case of a serial killer. The deeper she delves into her investigation, the more she unravels occult evidence that further complicates the case. She even uncovers a personal connection with the killer and has to race against time to stop him from killing another victim.

Unlike True Detective, which features a detective duo in each season, Longlegs only features one detective character as its lead. However, the occult connections in its central murders and the protagonist’s hidden personal ties with the central serial killer make it seem a lot like True Detective. In its trailers and promotional material, Longlegs also features mysterious symbols and cryptic messages reminiscent of the strange spirals and eerie occult imagery from True Detective season 1.

Longlegs Could Recreate True Detective Season 1’s Magic On The Big Screen

Longlegs Has The Potential To Perfectly Balance Its Supernatural & Crime Elements Like True Detective Season 1

True Detective season 1 caught lightning in a bottle with its unique blend of the quintessential elements of the detective genre and Lovecraftian horror. It was further elevated by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson’s incredible performances and Cary Joji Fukunaga’s brilliant direction. Unfortunately, none of True Detective season 1’s follow-ups have been able to recreate its success. Although the HBO series’ fourth installment initially showed some promise, its heavy inclination towards the supernatural and its ambiguous ending left viewers divided.

…With Perkins as its director, Longlegs ‘ mishmash of thrilling crime drama and chilling supernatural terrors could be as compelling as True Detective season 1’s take on the same.

With a talented filmmaker like Osgood Perkins at its helm and gifted actors like Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage as its leads, Longlegs might be able to achieve what True Detective’s seasons 2, 3, and 4 could not. Unlike True Detective, Longlegs will likely have more elements of horror than the procedural aspects of detective work. However, with Perkins as its director, Longlegs’ mishmash of thrilling crime drama and chilling supernatural terrors could be as compelling as True Detective season 1’s take on the same.