Creep (2014)

I hate found footage films. I can understand why movie studios and consumers like them though, in theory they immerse you into the film in a way that otherwise couldn't be done. They normally run cheaper to make and sadly people expect less from them in terms of CGI, story and overall effort. In contrast, I have a certain level of understanding with independent films. They are created on a lower budget, typically have no star power and are normally written, directed, staring and produced by one person. This is called a passion project and can easily lead to the creation of a terrible movie. When you combine independent and found footage genres it’s rare that what results is any good. I don’t think before today I had ever seen a good independent found footage film.

We can blame this piece of trash for the whole crap sub-genere.

The movie opens with Aaron (Patrick Brice) and his video camera. He is driving into the mountains to meet a client to do some video recording for him. The Craigslist ad said it would pay $1000 for 8 hours of work, only those who can use discretion should apply. When he arrives we meet Josef (Mark Duplass), his client and all around energetic and slightly off kilter guy. We quickly learn that Josef has a brain tumor the size of a baseball and he is projected to die in the next 2-3 months. He has a wife of 6 years and unborn child whom he will not meet before he dies. Josef explains this is why he has hired Aaron, to do a video recording for his son, Buddy. The story progresses and as it does we are treated to various scenes of Josef being creepy and Aaron being a little weirded out. There is some comedy relief, strange occurrences, long takes of blank expressions and lots of double talk. Josef seems weird but there’s never enough evidence to set off warning bells. It’s only just enough to get you to say “I think I would be leaving if I were him”. Still there is always a reason to stay and keep recording. In this aspect it does more than most in the found footage genre, it explains in a real and smart way why he still records everything.

Look at how my friends are dying, I better get this all on film.

It's too bad that Creep is just another drop in a pool of the already over saturated found footage market because it is a really well done movie. It uses its meager budget and the found footage style to its advantage. It shows you more than you need to see to understand the story but just enough to get a feel for the characters. The movie takes a few twists and turns, but never gets into serious scare territory, this is more of a creepy, unsettling style of film. It made me shift in my seat more than once because I was physically uncomfortable for Aaron. The intent of the film is never to shock or even make us jump in our seats its goal is to make us feel like something is just always slightly askew. It accomplish this in spades, long lingering shots, no background music and a set that is unsettling in itself. To add to the film’s sense of isolation, there are only 2 people in the whole movie. There are two more that we hear on the phone, but never see. This makes the movie feel small and intimate, like these are the only two characters in the world.

Also, PeachFuzz is heavily featured throughout.

If you like more of a traditional Hitchcockian style of horror, this movie is for you. It’s slow, but I never looked at my watch. It feels improvised, yet methodical. Everything gets paid off by the end of the film. In a time when horror films are more about what you see and less about the feelings you feel, this is a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend this movie to horror fans and avid movie goers.

I give it 9 out of 10 peachfuzz masks.