Creep - Film Review

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Creep (2014), directed by Patrick Brice, is a chilling psychological horror film that combines elements of found footage with a deep exploration of human interaction and manipulation. The story is primarily driven by two characters: Aaron, a videographer, and Josef, a seemingly enigmatic man who hires Aaron for a video project under mysterious and increasingly unsettling circumstances.

The narrative unfolds in real time, contributing significantly to the sense of immediacy and tension that permeates the film. Aaron (Patrick Brice) answers a Craigslist ad posted by Josef (Mark Duplass), a man with a tragic backstory. Diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, Josef wants to document his life for his unborn child, ostensibly as a way of leaving a legacy. At first, his odd behaviour seems explainable by his diagnosis, and Aaron, motivated by the sizable payment promised, agrees to document his strange and unorthodox wishes.

The beauty of Creep lies in the gradual unravelling of Josef’s true nature. Initially, Josef appears vulnerable and pitiable, with his illness and impending death painting him as a tragic figure. However, as the film progresses, his actions grow increasingly bizarre, revealing a darker side. This descent into madness is effectively portrayed through Duplass’s masterful performance, which balances the character’s vulnerability with underlying menace, making it difficult to trust him or fully empathize with him.

The film thrives on its minimalist approach. With only two characters, the isolated setting of a remote cabin, and a handheld camera, it creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. The use of the first-person perspective further immerses the viewer into the unsettling events as they unfold, making them feel as though they are complicit in the psychological games Josef plays with Aaron. The sense of dread is heightened by the knowledge that Aaron, despite his misgivings, remains trapped in the situation, unable to fully grasp the depth of the danger he is in.

One of the most compelling aspects of Creep is its ambiguity. Josef’s true intentions are unclear throughout much of the film, keeping the audience on edge. His actions often toe the line between harmless eccentricity and dangerous instability, leaving viewers unsure of whether he is merely a man lost to his illness or something far darker. The film plays with this uncertainty, keeping both Aaron and the audience guessing.



The cinematography plays a pivotal role in building tension. The limited setting of the cabin, paired with the first-person camera perspective, creates an unsettling feeling of confinement. The camera work itself is strategic, occasionally pulling away from Aaron’s perspective to show the audience something that Aaron himself may not see, such as the creeping presence of Josef in the background. These moments heighten the suspense, leaving the viewer with a sense of unease about what might be lurking just out of frame.

The sound design is another element that contributes significantly to the film’s tension. The eerie silence of the cabin, punctuated by the occasional unsettling sound, amplifies the psychological horror. At times, the soundtrack is almost non-existent, forcing the viewer to focus on the natural sounds around the characters, which are then warped by the mounting tension.

The film also explores themes of isolation, trust, and human nature. Aaron, despite his initial reservations, finds himself trapped in a situation where he is too invested to walk away, driven by a mix of professional obligation and a growing sense of intrigue. Josef, on the other hand, seems to seek validation or even companionship through his bizarre actions. His need for connection is palpable but also deeply warped by his psychological instability. The relationship between the two men becomes increasingly more twisted as Josef’s manipulations intensify, and Aaron’s attempts to leave become more desperate and futile.

The film also plays with the audience’s expectations of horror, taking a more subtle and psychological approach rather than relying on graphic violence or gore. The horror comes not from jump scares but from the pervasive sense of dread that builds slowly throughout the film. This makes the climax all the more shocking, as the carefully constructed tension is released in a brutal and unexpected way.

Creep is not merely a horror film; it is an exploration of the complexities of human interaction and the fine line between normalcy and madness. It forces the viewer to question the boundaries of empathy and the extent to which we are willing to trust others, even when our instincts tell us something is wrong. The film’s ending, which implies that Josef has been doing this to other victims for years, leaves the audience with a lingering sense of horror, further underscoring the film’s themes of manipulation and control.

Despite its low budget, Creep has garnered critical acclaim for its ability to craft a compelling, unnerving narrative with minimal resources. The combination of Brice’s direction, Duplass’s chilling performance, and the film’s minimalist style results in a psychological horror experience that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.

The film’s success led to the creation of a sequel, Creep 2 (2017), which continues to explore Josef’s character and introduces a new victim, keeping the unsettling world of Creep alive and expanding it further. The sequel maintains the same tense atmosphere but adds new layers to the original story, keeping audiences intrigued and uncomfortable.

In conclusion, Creep is a standout example of psychological horror, using a minimalist approach to tell a deeply unsettling story. The film’s strength lies in its characters, particularly the performance of Mark Duplass as Josef, whose unsettling charisma and unpredictability drive the narrative. Through its innovative use of first-person perspective, sound design, and pacing, Creep creates an atmosphere of unease that lingers long after the credits roll, making it a must-see for fans of psychological horror. The film challenges the conventions of the genre, offering a fresh and unnerving take on human interaction, trust, and manipulation.

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