Creep is another found footage gem, with a man documenting being hunted down by a serial killer. It’s small cast, use of dialogue, and simple setting create an uneasy and haunting atmosphere. The film is essentially two people talking, and audiences watch as the dynamic shifts into something horrific. The performances of Mark Duplass as demented but charming killer Josef, and Patrick Brice as the trusting videographer Aaron sell the horror so well because of how naturally they fall into a rapport and how quickly it disintegrates. Some of the most haunting scenes are silent, with the camera just capturing the horror while audiences are trapped as witnesses. It’s a perfect found footage film.
So when the sequel was announced, I was skeptical. How could they make a movie that could top the original, much less hold its own? Creep 2, however, is different from its predecessor in that it hardly feels like a horror movie — until it very much does. Creep 2, starring Duplass (this time going as Aaron in a spine chilling twist) and Desiree Akhavan as Sara, the new videographer. Sara is a YouTuber who films her interactions with people who have odd ads on Craigslist in her online When she decides to respond to Aaron’s ad, he reveals that he is an uninspired serial killer hoping she will document his story before he takes his own life. Sara, not believing he is actually a serial killer as he claims, takes him up on the offer. And immediately, Creep 2 wins audiences over with the idea this isn’t a horror movie, it’s a romantic comedy.
Aaron/Josef in this film shifts the power dynamic immediately by announcing to Sara who he is and what his goals are. He is not an active threat to her, but audiences still can’t trust him after Creep. There is this uneasiness the entire run time, with audiences waiting for Josef to reveal his true colors, yet this moment doesn’t come. Instead, we watch as Sara, unafraid, does what she can to keep him going and make him talk to her. Sara’s motivations are her YouTube channel, but she also has a connection with Josef. The jump scares from the first movie that rattled the real Aaron do nothing to Sara, which makes Josef uneasy at first, but also gives him inspiration. The two have a bond as weirdos who can be authentic around each other, and it’s actually kind of sweet…until it isn’t.
Duplass and Akhavan play off each other perfectly in Creep 2. With Duplass’s menace toned down, the character is allowed to be vulnerable, and we see him have a genuine interest in Sara as she helps him get his muse back (even if the muse of for being a killer). And Akhavan is amazing in the role — skeptical, calculating, but also genuinely kind, she is a real human character who is a distinct shift from Aaron. Sara is never a victim, even when things get dark, but a competent final girl who can hold her own when the time comes. Where as Aaron was kind and too trusting for his own good, audiences never are scared for Sara. They know she has the power in the dynamic between her and Josef, even when the tables are turned and he reveals his truest self.
This strong character allows for more fun, which Creep 2 is in spades. Duplass, despite the absolute nightmare that was the first Creep, has really heartwarming moments in this film. Audiences can’t help but to join Sara in rooting for Josef to turn it around and make that last great movie. The two of them also have great comedic timing and have genuinely funny moments of dialogue, such as when he’s driving the car wearing the Peach Fuzz mask. They feel like a duo, and it’s a fun new twist for the character of Josef. When Sara manages to jump scare him in the film, you really do feel this joy in knowing she’s safe because she is so competent. It allows for you to be engrossed in the story, to watch things unfold, and to be horrified when the scary parts kick in.
Creep 2 is a rom com with a twist, and I think I like it better than the first one. While not as scary, Creep 2 has interesting character dynamics and is a fun way to do a sequel that allows the film to stand on its own. They aren’t trying to outdo the original, but rather do something new, and I think it works well and makes this movie worth 1,000 rewatches.