Delving into the Dark Depths: A Review of “Creep 2”
In our “Terrifying Cinema” section, we present reviews of horror films that, for various reasons, haven’t graced the screens of mainstream movie theaters.
The film follows Sarah, an aspiring vlogger embarking on a series where she meets and documents encounters with peculiar individuals. She answers an ad from a man seeking someone to film him for a day. Upon arrival, she meets Aaron, who claims to be a serial killer with 39 lives on his conscience. He’s approaching his 40th birthday and is uncertain about his future direction. Sarah is skeptical but intrigued, deciding to stay, sensing the potential for compelling content.
A Shift in Tone: From Mockumentary to Reflection
The original “Creep” wasn’t a blockbuster, unsurprising given its small scale, almost amateur production, and reliance on the somewhat tired mockumentary style. However, it garnered attention from fans of dark, cynical humor. With a similar premise to its sequel, “Creep” explored profound themes of “strange people” among us. Where’s the line between eccentricity and genuine madness? When should we abandon politeness and firmly distance ourselves from intrusive attention? And why does our self-preservation instinct often fail, overlooking obvious signs of potential danger?
The Evolution of Aaron: A Deeper Dive into Madness
Observing the meeting and “relationship development” of the characters was engaging and amusing, largely due to Mark Duplass’s performance. However, replicating that trick in the sequel was challenging, as the first film’s resolution clearly indicated Aaron’s (originally Joseph) threat level. Therefore, the sequel takes a different approach. We question whether Aaron is genuinely experiencing a midlife crisis and needs help, or if it’s another performance for an unsuspecting victim.
This approach adds depth and ambiguity, but the original’s lightness and playfulness are somewhat subdued. Aaron comically freaks out while trying to film in ideal conditions at his favorite creek, but he spends much of the film reflecting painfully, provoking responses from Sarah. Duplass’s signature humor remains, and his performance is even more nuanced than in “Creep.” However, it’s no longer a dark joke but a reflective film where a Nietzschean abyss occasionally peeks through the macabre madness.
A Promising Future for the “Creep” Franchise
Choosing between the two films is difficult due to their differences, but the good news is that we don’t have to – both are successful in their own right. Even better, Duplass and his co-author and director, Patrick Brice, seem committed to the “Creep” franchise, with a third film planned. Brice aptly compares the first two “Creep” films to “Evil Dead,” which also grew from a single premise but diverged thematically and stylistically. He hopes the third installment will be like “Army of Darkness” – an unexpected and insane project.