I decided to embark on Creep 2 just days after watching and reviewing the original Creep (2014). During my initial research, I noticed that in many horror circles, Creep 2 is considered equal to—if not better than—the found footage brilliance of the first film.
Is Creep 2 Better Than Creep
While sequels occasionally surpass originals, it seemed it seemed plausible that it could improve upon Mark Duplais’ horror movie formula. Creep represents a work of cinematic art painted with a very limited, yet focused palette. Knowing the antagonist’s distinct modus operandi, how many real surprises could they actually pack into a follow-up? It’s a fantastic question that deserves an answer.
Creep 2 (2017) – Plot Summary and Setup
Just a word of warning, if you have not watched Creep (2014) you may want to stay clear of this review. It’s hard to talk about the sequel without revealing important bits about the original. You have been warned.
Creep 2 starts from a drastically different narrative place. At the end of the original film, writers Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass firmly established that Josef’s unsettling actions were not isolated incidents. Josef (Mark Duplass) is a prolific serial killer, and Aaron from the first movie was simply the latest victim on his menu.
This premise gives the sequel plenty of latitude. The film opens with yet another unsuspecting victim meeting their demise before shifting focus to a new protagonist named Sara (Desiree Akhavan).
Sara grinds away on Encounters, a struggling video streaming show where she searches for strange internet personalities to unveil to the world. It feels like a low-budget “Soft White Under Belly”, albeit far less altruistic. This setup naturally leads Sara straight into the crosshairs of our video-obsessed serial killer, who now goes by the name Aaron.
While the initial setup relies on a few extra performances to stitch the narrative together, the bulk of Creep 2 centers entirely around the tense, unpredictable interactions between Aaron and Sara.
Why Creep 2 is Less Scary Than the Original
Almost immediately, Creep 2 feels less impactful than its predecessor. I initially felt obligated to evaluate it as a standalone horror film rather than one living in the shadow of the 2014 original, but I ultimately backed away from that approach. The perspective shift simply doesn’t change the underlying issue: we already know too much about the villain.
Knowing off the bat that Aaron is a genuine killer robs his actions of their psychological tension. Mark Duplass’ performance loses some of the quirky, endearing quality that made the first film work so well. Brice and Duplass struggle to capture the lightning-in-a-bottle awkwardness that disarmed viewers the first time around.
Within the first 15 minutes of Creep 2, Aaron is already completely naked. Awkward? Of course. Nuanced? not at all. Awkward? Totally. Nice weiner? Pretty chilly in that room.
Furthermore, Aaron freely admits who he is from his very first interaction with Sara. He claims to be a mid-life crisis-ridden serial killer looking to document his final kill before putting himself down for a “dirt nap.” It is an intriguing premise, but laying all the cards on the table so early removes the slow-burn dread that defined the first movie.
Desiree Akhavan as Sara: A Different Kind of Victim
Desiree Akhavan’s performance as Sara brings a refreshing dynamic to Creep 2. Unlike Patrick Brice’s character in the original, Sara is tough, weathered by life’s struggles, and determined to build her online brand. She is brave and street-smart—a protagonist who isn’t easily intimidated.
However, her toughness creates a double-edged sword for the narrative. Because Sara is given a bounty of explicit warning signs yet willfully trudges toward her own potential demise, it can be difficult for the audience to feel genuine empathy for her situation.
PLOT HOLE ALERT: Where’s Angela?
Those that watched Creep film will remember an especially intriguing part where Josef recounts a deeply uncomfortable story about his wife of six years, Angela, and her alleged fascination with bestiality. He caps off the bizarre exchange by claiming he assaulted her while wearing “Peachfuzz,” his infamous werewolf mask.
Later in the film, during a scene dripping with anxiety, the original Aaron drugs Josef and steals his phone. In a tense stroke of luck, the phone rings. Aaron answers it in the bathroom, only to find Angela on the line. But Angela isn’t Josef’s wife—she is his sister. She frantically warns Aaron to leave the house immediately before the line disconnects.
What did she know? How deep did her awareness of her brother’s murders go?
Unfortunately, Creep 2 completely ignores this monumentally significant loose end. Leaving this massive Creep 2 Angela plot hole is a glaring missed opportunity.
Is Creep 2 Worth Watching?
Creep 2 is a solid horror movie, but it isn’t strictly necessary viewing if you’ve already seen the original.
Interestingly, the film likely performs best as a standalone experience. Horror fans who stumble upon Creep 2 before watching Creep (2014) may enjoy it even more because they won’t be comparing it to the high bar set by its predecessor.
Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass set a formidable challenge for themselves with this follow-up, and while it delivers decent performances and meta-commentary, it falls just short of the original’s subtle brilliance.
For my money, if I am looking for a top-tier “mockumentary interview with a serial killer” flick, I’m still reaching for Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
Creep 2 (2017) - Review: A Sequel Worth Watching? - Malevolentdark
Director: Patrick Bice
Date Created: 1970-01-01 00:33
2.5
2 Responses
Sir you are absolutely retarded. It works better in that you know so then you’re wondering is he going to kill her or not or whats going to happen and then you pick up on subtle things (U obviously didnt and you rated it like a REtard). Its a 100/100, easy a 5/5. You’re just stupid. Its not supposed to be like a plot twist like the first one as thats the fucking point. THis one is rubbing the fact in that he is a killer and even you knowing it and then the nuance IS there. You’re a retard and you should redo it as a 5/5 because this is a laughing stock
Thank you sir. You have officially created my favorite comment ever.