Creep 2

Solid sequel, still good at being unpredictable, but I feel as though the ending was really just leaving a window for a third movie opportunity, which in this case felt cheap, but great film

The original Creep was one of the biggest, most pleasant surprises of 2015. It managed to feel minimal in its storytelling while being completely terrifying and intriguing. This sequel works as a film. It's definitely less terrifying, but it seems like the writers/director knew that and decided to take a different approach. This feels more of a character study of our main antagonist. Because we know much more about him now, the dread and atmosphere of the first is no longer there and instead we drive further into his psyche. It works in different ways, even if the film isn't as consistent as the first.

This sequel was always going to struggle after the first film came out of nowhere and blew people away with how unique it felt. Most of the original Creep generated its atmosphere from the audience's lack of knowledge about the main character and what his actual motivations were. This time we are aware of who he is and what he is about, so while eager to see what happens this time it would be hard to pull off the same magic with a completely similar plot. Luckily the creators knew this and made enough changes to the dynamic, while still basically keeping it in line with the expectations set by the first, to give a fresh feel to the set up. While they kept in most of the unease that made the first Creep great, they also actually delved more into the main character and his backstory, if he is ever to be believed. This possibly more intimate view of the main takes away a small amount of the tension since he has to become more vulnerable and likable, but it is done in such a way where it is still enjoyable and gripping, and events unfold without too much of an obvious conclusion. Overall it is a worthy sequel, if in my opinion not as good as the original, and is well worth a watch.

Before I start, keep in mind that 'Found Footage' is NOT for everyone. I love FF movies because I immerse much more into the characters when well executed.

This sequel was as good as the first one but on a different tone. We explore a bit more the weird/mythomaniac world of Josef/Aaron played by Duplass who is by the way a surprisingly good actor. In fact, both actors did an excellent/convincing job.

Less scary, more psychological was the tone so don't expect much scare jumps.

The follow-up chapter to Creep may not have the wicked delights of the original's discovery but that doesn't mean it is any less intense, unnerving or discomforting. The setup is virtually the same, the treatment is slightly altered and thanks to our knowledge of the protagonist's true identity, it manages to keep us on edge at all times.

Co-written & directed by Patrick Brice, the story at first seems like a rehash with a new victim but this latest intended target turns out to be more confronting & less perturbed by our serial killer. Playing along with his eccentricity, she matches him on several occasions and keeps pushing & challenging him for a reaction until the chilling finale.

This different approach doesn't make it better or more compelling than last time but due to our familiarity to the situation, the foreboding anxiety is omnipresent. The creepy, weird stories are out of the picture and replaced by gruesome details of past killings. And Mark Duplass is terrific as before but Desiree Akhavan leaves a lasting mark of her own as well.

Overall, Creep 2 is a worthy sequel to its predecessor and makes for yet another palpably tense & gradually escalating ride that's almost as thrilling as the original if not more. Opening with a vicious prologue, slowed down by empty patches in the middle, and lacking the shocking appeal of previous entry's finale, Creep 2 is slightly less effective but it still delivers the goods.