Creep 2

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.

Again, one word.....Nutcase!!! Apparently, the review was too short with the one line, so again, I will say , Nutcase!!

Both more unsettling and funnier than the first film, this is a noticeable step up. I especially liked the way the subtly shifting balance of power between Sara and Aaron was handled by director and actors, and the opening scene established a clear sense of tension lacking in the predecessor. It only loses its way in the last 10 minutes, which seem a little convoluted and Sara's actions in particular just don't ring true. Otherwise an enjoyable improvement on the solid first film.

Even though I enjoyed this more than the first film, both have to be seen in order to fully appreciate the dark humour and sheer lunacy of this series. I have no idea where the final film in the trilogy is going to go, which is the entire reason for wanting to see more, as even if you guess what is coming next, you are still surprised at the outcome. Events move along very quickly, with some laugh out loud moments and some moments of terror, and it all works so well, but nearly everything Duplass does works well. If you enjoy horror but are not really into the typical crazy-stalker-slasher junk, this series is well worth watching.

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.