Are you looking for an unassuming story that gradually gets more and more crazy and diabolical that you no longer feel safe in your own home? Look no further than Creep (2014) and its sequel Creep 2 (2017). A Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass series, we go deep into the mind of a delusional serial killer luring videographers into his depraved reality. Indie, low budget, and intensely intriguing, Creep and Creep 2 are, at this point, essential viewing for horror fans. As the title suggests, we will be using the word “creepy” a lot… Probably more than a lot.
Creep (2014)
Aaron (Brice), a struggling videographer, is hired by terminally ill Josef (Duplass) to make a video log of his last remaining days for his unborn son. Aaron is immediately thrown into a world of uneasiness as Josef exhibits signs of being not quite right in the head; he constantly scares Aaron (yes, there are definitely jumpscares), he talks matter-of-factly and almost wantingly about impending death, and his actions grow more and more worrisome the longer Aaron films him. Unfortunately for Aaron, he’s just too nice of a guy and refuses to stop working for Josef — a decision that will ultimately land him in the grave after a series of disturbing stalker behavior.
I first saw this movie on Netflix — at the time of this writing, it’s still up for streaming — and I’m so glad I chose to watch. Having no prior knowledge of Creep, it came off as an incredible well-done story that indeed did creep me out. Because we are viewing the story, we instantly know Josef is not to be trusted. He is a bit too welcoming and open. He has the creepiest fixation with a terrifying wolf mask (hilariously-named “Peachfuzz”). And he clearly shows signs of mental illness and ill intent. So the whole time, we’re uneasy and waiting in anticipation to see if Aaron makes it out of every encounter safe and sound. We’re not surprised when he doesn’t, and you can’t help but feel bad — bad, but still scared of what’s to come next.
Creep is like no other found footage film that I know of. Usually these kinds of films are exactly the same in terms of pacing and common horror tropes. But Creep will keep you guessing and still have you check the locks on the doors before turning the lights off. That’s the mark of a good film, making the audience feel like they’re involved when they actually aren’t in any possible way. It’s in a class of its own.
Creep 2 (2017)
With the positive reception of the first film, it was a given that a sequel be made. In 2017, Creep 2 released (and is also currently on Netflix) with a similar story done twice as insane.This time Duplass goes by his latest victim’s name “Aaron” to lure in a female web series host, Sara, to make a documentary on being a serial killer. She doesn’t believe he is the real deal, but slowly sees that Aaron is for sure off his rocker. More cat and mouse games ensue — with the much-anticipated return of Peachfuzz — and now Sara understands that she is in no position to be working with a serial killer going through a midlife crisis.
Just like the first, Creep 2 is a strong contender in the indie/low budget world. Unlike other sequels though, Creep 2 doesn’t disappoint. Sara is a formidable opponent that gives Aaron a run for his money in terms of being more intimidating and at times outwitting him at his own game. She’s not the pushover that the original Aaron was, and she is vastly different from the final girls we’re so used to seeing. Sara and Aaron are a match made in heaven, which is a crazy thing to say because he’s still a serial killer on a mission to hunt her down while Sara is on a “hunt” for the perfect story for her web series.
Again, Creep 2 doesn’t skip on scares at any point. There’s no rest from jumpscares, and right as we’ve recovered from one, another one pops up. Those minute moments of rest in between are just as intense with suspense as they were before. And though the movie is generally the same as the first, we don’t feel like we’re just watching a rehash. It feels new and fresh and just as creepy.
At this point in time, we only have two entries to this unbelievable saga. Since it is so popular in the horror community, there have been talks of making a third film, but with filmmakers who rightfully want to tell a creepy story and the current state of affairs for the entertainment industry in a pandemic situation, it may be awhile before that dream becomes reality. But even if that doesn’t happen, Brice and Duplass have given us a seriously scary story, one that is both funny and terrifying. If you come across these films, take the time to watch and enjoy them; it’s a right of passage that horror fans need to be part of.
What is your favorite part of Creep, and why is it Peachfuzz? Let us know in the comments!
