"Creep" (Review)

Before I begin my review of Creep, let me first provide some context. Last week, while reading Eleanor Johnson's book, Scream with Me: Horror Films and the Rise of American Feminism (1968-1980), Johnson recommends three films that subvert the domestic horror trope: Paranormal Activity, Creep, and Creep 2. Johnson provides four criteria for domestic horror, but I would like to focus our attention on the first two. First, domestic horror is set in a confined dwelling place (such as a home) where the female has restricted freedom. Second, a male antagonist resides in the dwelling, yet cannot be easily removed.

While classic horror films such as The Exorcist and The Shining are well-known for their auteurship, Johnson sheds light on how directors William Friedkin and Stanley Kubrick inflicted physical and emotional tolls on their lead actresses, Ellen Burstyn and Shelley Duvall, respectively. For Johnson, she argues that Paranormal Activity, Creep, and Creep 2, the director faces domestic horror.

Johnson's book is fascinating, filled with insightful analyses of each film. Johnson meticulously argues that each film reflected second-wave feminism, including reproductive rights and domestic violence. What made this a rich experience was having watched the films she analyzes. So, I did not want to continue reading the book until I watched Creep.

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Like Paranormal Activity, Creep is a found footage horror film. The movie centers on Aaron (Patrick Brice), a videographer who answers an online advertisement to film a client for the day. Aaron arrives at a remote cabin and meets Josef (played brilliantly by the incomparable Mark Duplass). Josef informs Aaron that he has cancer, and he wants to make a film for his unborn son, Buddy. Aaron begins by filming Josef removing his clothes to take a bath, pretending that Buddy is in the bathtub with him. Later, Aaron finds a wolf mask belonging to Josef. Josef explains that the wolf mask, "Peachfuzz," was a gift from his father. The day grows increasingly more bizarre, culminating in Josef inviting Aaron for a nightcap. When Aaron gets up to leave, he realizes his keys are missing. Aaron manages to spike Josef's drink, causing Josef to briefly pass out. As Aaron tries to escape, we find Josef standing in front of the door wearing the Peachfuzz mask, growling at him. The video distorts, and we learn that Aaron successfully escaped and Josef fled.

Aaron receives a package with no return address. Inside, he finds a DVD, a stuffed animal of a wolf, and a knife. The DVD is a video of Josef informing Aaron to cut open the stuffed animal, only for Aaron to find a heart-shaped locket with a picture of him and Josef. Aaron contacts the police, but, unsurprisingly, receives little to no help. That night, Josef causes havoc on Aaron, standing menacingly outside his door, without Aaron noticing, and he cuts a lock of Aaron's hair while he sleeps. Aaron receives a final DVD with a message from Josef to meet him at a park in broad daylight and offer his amends. Aaron agrees, arrives at the park, leaving his camera on as a precaution, and sits on a bench waiting for Josef. The camera faces the back of Aaron, so we, the audience, see Josef wearing a long trench coat and slowly approaching Aaron from behind. Josef opens his trench coat to reveal himself holding the Peachfuzz mask. He puts it on and takes out an axe. He's standing right behind Aaron, swings his axe, and kills him.

Creep kept me on the edge of my seat. According to Johnson, Creep turns the domestic horror trope over its head. Rather than having a male antagonist inflict pain on a female protagonist, we have a male antagonist inflicting pain on another male character. What made the movie so ingenious and creative is Aaron's belief in Josef. Despite things getting gradually more bizarre and horrifying, Aaron still decides to meet Josef at the park, thinking that no harm will come to him. Moreover, as a director, Aaron believes he can control the situation. Yet, the film masterfully reveals that Aaron is beyond his element, and Josef is controlling the narrative.

Mark Duplass is terrifying as Josef. I first saw him in an indie film titled Safety Not Guaranteed, so I knew he would be brilliant in Creep. Creep is followed by a sequel, Creep 2, and a series, The Creep Tapes. I've watched Creep 2, which I also recommend, but I have not had the pleasure of watching The Creep Tapes. I cannot wait to start watching the series.