Creep (R)

Subtle is scary. Simple is scary. Small is scary. Turns out that two guys and a largely improvised script is also scary.

“Creep” is an unabashedly straightforward story. Aaron (director and cowriter Patrick Brice) answers an ad requiring his videographer services that will pay $1,000. That ad was listed by Josef (cowriter Mark Duplass), a man with terminal cancer wanting to create a video diary for his unborn child.     

It’s pretty clear early on that something about this situation is awry. But “Creep” doesn’t show its hand all at once. The tension builds with throwaway moments like the odd questions Josef asks Aaron and his hesitations at Josef’s eccentric actions.

In the film’s second act, the stakes change quickly and drastically. “Creep”goes from a little movie with eerie vibes to a deeply unnerving and disturbing story of survival. Duplass and Brice cleverly create dread in the small moments. A deathly silent room, movements in the background of a scene and a rubber wolf mask nicknamed Peachfuzz provide more tension than you would believe. 

That tension is solely created through the dynamic between our leading duo. Aaron is clearly our protagonist, but the least interesting part of the movie. Brice gives an unremarkable, fairly flat performance as Aaron. He is clearly more comfortable behind the camera. Given the circumstances he is put through, Aaron’s reactions are pretty tame. However, this may be an intentional move on Brice’s part as a director.

The improvisational nature of the film provides Duplass the groundwork to create a believable character. But as Duplass is the titular creep, the character of Aaron is simply a vehicle to push Josef from odd yet likeable dad, to unhinged creep, to painfully lonely man. It’s an organic yet horrifying arc. 

The emotional whiplash Duplass puts the audience through is a blast. In one sequence, Josef confronts Aaron with a blank and unblinking stare and then takes a 180 and breaks down into tears. Moments later, he wordlessly dons the aforementioned Peachfuzz mask. It’s enough to send chills down your spine. 

“Creep” is an incredibly minimalistic film — no CGI, no intricate cinematography, no expansive cast. That is what makes what Brice and Duplass pull off all the more impressive. This movie has genuinely terrifying moments that will cause your blood pressure to sky rocket. It’s all thanks to Aaron and Josef’s game of cat and mouse. The duo’s decisions as performers are fueled by their trust in one another. It’s a playful dance that will mesmerize you and leave you breathless, even after the film is over.    

– by Brynne Ramella