5 Chilling Reasons Osgood Perkins Is The New Master Of Slow-Burn Horror (Longlegs, Keeper, & Beyond)

As of December 2025, Osgood "Oz" Perkins has firmly cemented his status as one of the most compelling and unsettling voices in modern horror cinema, largely thanks to the seismic impact of his 2024 serial killer chiller, *Longlegs*. The film, which starred Maika Monroe and a transformative Nicolas Cage, did more than just terrify audiences; it redefined the slow-burn, atmospheric horror subgenre, proving Perkins' unique vision is a powerful force in Hollywood. His work is a masterclass in psychological dread, prioritizing mood and isolation over jump scares, a style that has captivated critics and built immense anticipation for his upcoming projects, including the highly-anticipated 2025 release, *Keeper*. This article dives deep into the mind of the filmmaker, exploring his rich family legacy, the signature elements that define his cinematic dread, and a complete breakdown of his filmography—from his early acting roles to his current reign as a directorial auteur. You’ll discover why his films, like *The Blackcoat's Daughter* and *Gretel & Hansel*, stand apart and what we can expect from his terrifying future slate.

The Legacy and The Man: Osgood Perkins Biography & Profile

Osgood Robert "Oz" Perkins II was born into Hollywood royalty, but has carved a distinct, dark path entirely his own. His life and career are intrinsically linked to the history of horror, a connection he both embraces and subverts in his work.

• Full Name: Osgood Robert Perkins II
• Born: February 2, 1974
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Filmmaker, Director, Screenwriter, Actor
• Father: Anthony Perkins (The iconic actor best known as Norman Bates in *Psycho*)
• Mother: Berry Berenson (Actress and photographer)
• Grandfather: James Ridley Osgood Perkins (A prominent American actor from the 1920s and 30s)
• Directorial Debut: *The Blackcoat's Daughter* (originally titled *February*) (2015)
• Key Films (Director): *The Blackcoat's Daughter*, *I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House*, *Gretel & Hansel*, *Longlegs*, *Keeper* (Upcoming)
• Key Films (Actor): Roles in *Legally Blonde*, *Star Trek: Nemesis*, and *Not Another Teen Movie*.

Perkins’ familial connection to Anthony Perkins, the man who immortalized the serial killer Norman Bates, is a constant, fascinating subtext in his work. He has often spoken about how his father's legacy informs his own exploration of trauma, isolation, and the nature of evil, particularly in a film like *Longlegs*, which he described as an ode to his celebrity parent.

Unearthing the Dread: Osgood Perkins' Signature Directorial Style

Perkins’ approach to the horror genre is instantly recognizable and profoundly effective. He is not interested in cheap thrills; his films are meticulously crafted psychological experiences that linger long after the credits roll. This unique aesthetic has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim.

1. The Master of the Slow Burn

Perkins is arguably the premier contemporary director of the "slow burn." His narratives unfold slowly, almost hesitantly, prioritizing atmosphere and mood over plot acceleration. This deliberate pacing allows dread to accumulate, turning simple truths and isolated settings into baroque nightmares. The audience is trapped in the unsettling environment, forced to confront the psychological terror alongside the characters.

2. Themes of Isolation, Trauma, and the Supernatural

A recurring motif across his filmography is the exploration of female trauma and profound isolation. *The Blackcoat's Daughter* and *Gretel & Hansel* both center on young women grappling with desolate, snow-covered, or deeply isolated environments. The horror often stems from internal psychological breakdown or the insidious influence of external, often supernatural, forces that prey on loneliness and vulnerability.

3. Striking Cinematography and Minimalist Narratives

Perkins’ films are visually stunning. He employs a striking, almost dreamlike cinematography that uses muted color palettes, deep shadows, and careful framing to evoke a sense of unease. This visual richness is paired with minimalist narratives, where dialogue is sparse and the story is often told through visual language and the characters' internal states. This stylistic choice makes his work feel less like a traditional horror film and more like a fever dream or a dark fairy tale.

4. The Importance of Silence and Atmosphere

In his films, silence is a weapon. Perkins masterfully uses the absence of sound, or the presence of subtle, unsettling ambient noise, to build tension. This commitment to atmospheric silence forces the viewer to lean in, making the eventual, often understated, moments of horror all the more impactful. He creates his "own silence," a space where the unspoken dread is louder than any scream.

The New Era of Horror: Longlegs, Keeper, and Upcoming Projects

The period from 2024 onward marks a significant escalation in Osgood Perkins' career, moving from celebrated indie horror darling to a major genre filmmaker. His recent work is defining the modern horror landscape.

Longlegs (2024): The Breakout Serial Killer Nightmare

*Longlegs* became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing Perkins' ability to blend his signature atmospheric style with a visceral serial killer narrative.

The film follows FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) as she tracks a terrifying, occult-obsessed serial killer (Nicolas Cage). Perkins' direction transformed the traditional crime thriller into a nightmarish, stylized descent into madness. The film’s success was a powerful affirmation of his unique vision, demonstrating that audiences crave high-concept, intelligent horror that focuses on sustained dread rather than shock value.

Keeper (2025): The Next Chapter of Psychological Terror

Following the success of *Longlegs*, anticipation is sky-high for *Keeper*, which is slated for a release in late 2025.

Directed by Perkins and starring Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland, the film follows a couple escaping for a romantic anniversary weekend at a secluded, idyllic location. Given Perkins' track record, this seemingly simple premise is guaranteed to spiral into a complex psychological ordeal. The early details suggest a return to themes of isolation and the breakdown of relationships under extreme duress, promising another meticulously crafted, unsettling experience.

The Young People (2026) and The Monkey

Perkins’ pipeline of projects extends well into 2026, confirming his prolific output and high demand. *The Young People* has already entered production for a 2026 release, further expanding his exploration of dark themes. Additionally, he is set to direct *The Monkey*, an adaptation of a Stephen King short story, demonstrating his entry into adapting works from the masters of the genre. These projects solidify his role as a caretaker of cinematic dread, transforming simple source material into baroque, terrifying experiences. Osgood Perkins is not merely a horror director; he is a cinematic architect of dread. His films are required viewing for anyone interested in the evolution of the genre, offering an intellectual and visceral experience that few others can match. From the desolate, snowy dread of *The Blackcoat's Daughter* to the stylized, occult terror of *Longlegs* and the impending psychological horror of *Keeper*, Perkins has redefined what it means to be truly scared, cementing his legacy as a true master of the slow-burn nightmare.