CREEP (2015)

Cinematography & Directed By: Patrick Brice 
Written By: Patrick Brice & Mark Duplass 
Editor: Christopher Donlon 


Cast: Patrick Brice, Mark Duplass


When a videographer answers a Craigslist ad for a one-day job in a remote mountain town, he finds his client is not at all what he initially seems.

This is a film that loves up to It’s title and is a tight psychological thriller. That up's the atmosphere rather than the action, but it is effective. As the film seems to start out like a typical indie film that seems experimental and more a drama, bit as more elements are introduced. It begins to stray from that path and soon becomes unpredictable.

Reminding one of the type of character driven horror films of the old days, but using modern technology. This film breathes some fresh air into the genre. and best of all uses the new horror and terms to make it powerful yet disturbing in a new way.

The film reminds the audience that sometimes the best way to do things is using the most simple plan of action.

What this film does effectively is as the film goes on. It slowly applies pressure to the situation. That causes the tension to rise as the film stays just as off center as the character of Josef played By Mark Duplass. Just as creepy as he is, the film begins to be. Which is why the title perfectly fits.

Even though it is hardly surprising as it seems almost from the beginning his character seems a bit off. Though at least fun.

The film plays out organically as at first it seems simple. Then as it goes along it starts to get more and more confusing as well as dire.

Might hit close to home for some filmmakers and videographers out there only taken to a scary next level or have some experiences like this themselves. As the film seems like a clever What if scenerio.

The film stays pretty much a two man show and a battle of wills. So there is no get really.

I really enjoyed the second half of the movie more then the first half as that is where more of the action occurs. Even though the first few scenes are slow they are needed as an introduction and contrast between the two halves of the movie. As the first half not only introduces the characters to us, but sets up the premise and atmosphere. As their relationship develops it also heightens the mood. Almost like anyone sided relationship.

It's a fun film to discover and I don't want to ruin any of it for you. It is low budget and no frills, but what it manages to accomplish is amazing especially as you don't really think much will happen.

Strangely the film reminds me of another film Mark Duplass was involved in BAGHEAD. Though that film was more comedic. It had horror elements and examined tension and how it can be built and caused. While that film seemed more like an experiment. Here he seems to have figured out the formula. This might even be his master thesis. Though he didn't direct the film he did co-write it. Maybe BAGHEAD was his hypothesis?

Now I will warn you this is a found footage film. Only here you can understand why the camera is used most of the time and allows an intimacy with us in the audience. To be there with them. Especially as the film is pretty bare as far as locations and other characters. It is the only way we can be witness to all of this and still be as close. As we do have a bit of an overview, even as we get to see each of the characters point of view. We get the glaring unblinking eye of the camera more as our guide.

You just have to have patience to enjoy the ride.



Grade: B-