Netflix Psychological Horror Thriller Reminds You Not to Talk to Strangers

Patrick Brice directed this, his debut film, a project co-written with Mark Duplass—who also stars in the film. The movie unfolds through the perspective (and lens) of a videographer who encounters much more than he bargained for upon answering a Craigslist ad. 

A genuinely innovative feature, Creep draws laudable inspiration from a diverse array of influences, including films like My Dinner with Andre, Misery, and Fatal Attraction. Brice’s personal Craigslist misadventures also inform the story. And what a story it is, one is exploring the eerie depths of human interaction and deception. 

It is a tale largely about Aaron, played by Brice, a struggling videographer who embarks on a seemingly ordinary assignment in a remote cabin in Crestline, California. Much like The Blaire Witch Project, we see everything in the movie through Aeron’s camera.

Shortly into Creep, Aerson meets Josef, his client, who is played wonderfully (and creepily, indeed) by Duplass. Josef soon reveals the heartbreaking motive behind the project he’s hired Aerson to shoot: Josef has an inoperable brain tumor and wants to leave behind a video diary for his unborn child. 

But as the day progresses, Josef’s behavior grows increasingly bizarre and unsettling. His antics culminate in a shocking confession of sexual assault before the situation further spirals into a genuine nightmare as Aaron discovers that Josef’s “wife” is actually his sister. On the phone, the latter warns Aerson to flee the impending danger Josef’s disturbed psyche represents.

However, despite Aaron’s efforts to escape, Creep doesn’t let him off the hook, as the young videographer becomes ensnared in Josef’s disturbing game. Soon, Anderson begins receiving ominous parcels in the mail as he realizes the extent of Josef’s obsession: an obsession that graduates from terrifying to violent. 

Horror fans might know that the film’s development was as unconventional as its plot; Brice and Duplass continuously shaped and reshaped the story throughout the filming process—an improvisational approach that lends the movie much of its lively, almost anarchic feel.

This take on production resulted in numerous scene permutations and alternate endings for Creep, an interesting testament to their commitment to capturing the essence of their unsettling narrative, no matter how involved or belabored the process.

Mainly, the character of Josef entails a deep dive into the psyche of a profoundly disturbed individual; while terrifying, Josef’s disturbing interior life also challenges viewers’ perceptions of who the actual “creep” is in the film’s harrowing scenario.

The film debuted to much fanfare at South by Southwest in 2014. However, it would walk a winding path to widespread viewership. Initially hampered by distribution delays, the movie eventually found its home on video on demand in June 2015 through The Orchard. Soon, streaming giant Netflix would situate a global release in July 2015. 

The film steadily gained momentum and fandom through the world’s most extensive streaming platform, eventually captivating sizable audiences.

Critics enjoyed the film’s clever and largely novel use of the found footage format and Duplass’s compelling performance. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie boasts a stellar 90 percent score based on 31 reviews. A brainy, innovative horror entry, Creep’s innovation and genuine scares impressed experts and explained its enduring appeal. 

After its hyped premiere at South by Southwest, Mark Duplass announced intentions to produce a sequel, the second installment of an envisioned trilogy. However, despite initial plans to begin filming the second movie towards the end of 2014, delays due to scheduling conflicts stalled the process. 

Fortunately, the sequel’s active development soldiered on; production officially began in September 2016. Duplass reprised his role alongside new cast member Desiree Akhavan, and Brice again directed. 

Creep 2 premiered at the Sitges Film Festival in October 2017 and enjoyed a positive reception, boasting a 100 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Plans for a third installment were excitedly announced. Sadly, as of March 2020, Duplass and Brice are still searching for an inspired concept to motivate a workable screenplay for the project. 

Ultimately, the film functions as an excellent, albeit terrifying, portrait of the unpredictable nature of trust, evoking the shadowy figures that lurk behind seemingly innocuous encounters. For a thoroughly compelling and horrific experience, stream Creep today.