The Review (Spoiler Free)
“Creep” is a film that stands out in the found-footage genre, delivering a chilling and intimate portrayal of psychological horror. Directed by Patrick Brice and starring Mark Duplass, who also co-wrote the story, “Creep” takes viewers on a disturbing journey through the lens of a videographer named Aaron, played by Brice himself.
“Creep” is a film that stands out in the found-footage genre, delivering a chilling and intimate portrayal of psychological horror. Directed by Patrick Brice and starring Mark Duplass, who also co-wrote the story, “Creep” takes viewers on a disturbing journey through the lens of a videographer named Aaron, played by Brice himself.
The premise is simple yet effective: Aaron responds to an online ad to film a man named Josef (Duplass) for a day, under the pretense of creating a video diary for Josef’s unborn child. However, as the day progresses, Josef’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre and unsettling, leading to a series of events that blur the lines between reality and paranoia.
What makes “Creep” particularly engaging is its minimalistic approach. The film relies heavily on the performances of its two leads, and both Brice and Duplass deliver in spades. Duplass, in particular, gives a fantastically unhinged performance that captivates and terrifies in equal measure. His portrayal of Josef is both charismatic and creepy, making the audience question his motives at every turn.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to maintain tension and suspense with very little. There are no grandiose special effects or elaborate sets; instead, “Creep” uses its simplicity to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The found-footage style is executed with a level of authenticity that makes the viewer feel like a participant in the unfolding horror.
Critics have praised “Creep” for its smart take on the genre, noting its cleverness and the skillful acting that keeps viewers on edge. The film has been described as a puzzling character study wrapped in the guise of a found-footage horror, taking real chances within its commercial framework. It’s a testament to the film’s effectiveness that it remains disturbing and unsettling without resorting to excessive gore or cheap thrills.
“Creep” also stands as a commentary on the nature of trust and the search for connection in the digital age. The film explores how easily one can be drawn into the orbit of a charismatic stranger and the potential dangers that come with it. It’s a modern-day horror tale that resonates with contemporary fears about privacy, identity, and the unknown depths of the people we meet online.
Spoiler Ending (Spoiler Warning!)
The ending is compelling. The protagonist, Aaron, realizes that Josef is unstable, allowing him to escape. However, Josef tracks him down and requests a final meeting to apologize for his strange behavior. Aaron, being kind-hearted, agrees to meet. They choose a public area by the lake. Aaron arrives first and waits. Unseen, Josef approaches from behind and murders him with an axe, an act captured from a distance by Josef’s camera.
One might wonder why Aaron agreed to meet, knowing Josef’s instability, or why he didn’t sense Josef behind him. These questions remain unanswered.
The answers may lie in Aaron’s nature. He’s a good person but naive, a believer in second chances. Despite sensing Josef’s psychosis, he possibly gave him the benefit of the doubt.
It’s conceivable that Josef spoke to Aaron from behind, possibly instructing him not to turn around, promising a surprise. Aaron, trusting as he is, might have complied.
Ultimately, the film explores the dynamics between two men with starkly different personalities expressing affection in their own ways. Aaron, initially wary of Josef, grows to like him, demonstrating love through trust and forgiveness. Conversely, Josef, a psychotic serial killer, exhibits love through his twisted act of murder.
In the Nutshell
“Creep” is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and those who appreciate the found-footage format. It’s a film that proves you don’t need a big budget to create something genuinely terrifying. With its excellent performances and a tightly wound narrative, “Creep” is a standout film that lingers long after the credits roll. For those looking to explore the depths of indie horror, “Creep” is a journey worth taking. I give 5 out of 5 stars.
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Genre: Found-footage horror
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You self proclaimed reviewers make me laugh sometimes. Where in the movie did you see two men showing love for each other? One guy was a sociopath/psychopath who loved the ritual of making this other guy trust him completely, to then kill him. The bottom line is what this movie is about these two guys who meet because of one answering a fake bait ad for a job. Now as for the guy who answers the ad that you call the nice guy, he was more of an idiot, especially at the end. That was not being nice that was being straight up stupid after knowing what this guy was. I mean what was he 12? No one with half a brain would have trusted this guy again and this shmuch did and that’s why he got killed. That bastard had no mercy he just took an ax I believe to the dummy’s head wow. So predictable it’s a shame. End of story..But you guys love hearing yourself talk I bet because you write in so many words stopping for your opinion, of letters what you can write in half a page. I still don’t see where you saw love between these two guys..Victim and torture killer period. now that’s a spoiler
i don’t think that Josef “showing love” is too crazy. he seems to think that he loves his “friend” Aaron. didn’t he send a video saying that he liked wolves so much, and that wolves kill what they love?
obviously for us that’s not love, it’s terrible and torture like you said. but i think the reviewer meant from Josef’s perspective.
I thought it was a good movie, and I totally agree that Aaron guy was totally dumb, and naive for even considering meeting Josef at the park. I would have trusted my instincts and intuition wayyyy earlier, and not even let it get that far. In fact, when he was blocking that wooden door wearing that mask I would have destroyed him. I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to see what happened that night at the cabin.
Anyway hands down, they did a good job making the movie, and acting was good as well. I want to know how they did that ax scene at the end. It had an accurate sound to it and everything..