If you are new here then you don’t know that we are massive MASSIVE fans of pretty much anything Mark Duplass does. It started with The One I Love… which is the single most recommended movie I give to people starting out on their Indie movie mindjob journey. Safety Not Guaranteed was also crazy fun that included just a sci-fi screenplay so out there as to not be believed. And what about the recent genre shattering show called Penelope?? So good. I totally forgot that I need to write about that one… that ending is TRIPPY. Or his acting in movies like Zero Dark Thirty, or The Morning Show?? (Which he uses to fund his crazy indie films! like Creep 1 and Creep 2!) There is just so much indie brilliance that pours out of this guy, it’s unbelievable. Anyway – today, we are here to talk about his spin-off series called the Creep Tapes… but to do that, we might need to take a bit of a journey to adequately understand why it’s worth the effort.
It’s a fair bet, that The Creep Tapes series will bring us back into the deeply unsettling, wholly captivating world of Josef, the most charmingly unnerving character Mark Duplass has ever brought to life. So, to get an idea of what is in store for us, it might make sense to look back at Creep 1 & Creep 2 to see if we can divine where this wunderkind might be going.
Creep 1: A Minimalist Horror Masterpiece
When Creep dropped in 2014, it felt like a quiet revolution. Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice crafted a raw, minimalist thriller that relies on psychological tension, unnerving improvisation, and intimate filmmaking. The setup was deceptively simple: Aaron (played by Brice) answers a Craigslist ad to film Josef’s (Duplass) video diary for his unborn son. Josef’s quirky charm quickly spirals into something far darker, culminating in an unforgettable ending that flips the script on every expectation.
Key highlights:
- Josef’s wolf mask, “Peachfuzz,” becomes a horrifying symbol of his fractured psyche.
- The film’s improvised dialogue creates an eerie authenticity, making the audience feel like voyeurs rather than viewers.
- Its low-budget, guerrilla filmmaking style mirrors the unsettling intimacy of Josef’s growing obsession with Aaron.
The first film is less about jump scares and more about crafting an experience that sticks with you. It’s the kind of movie that stays in your head long after the credits roll, as you realize how close it stays to plausible reality—a testament to Duplass’s ability to straddle charm and menace in equal measure. And that ending though! THAT ENDING! I even interviewed some of the crew of Creep in order to understand how they pulled it all off.
Creep 2: A Meta Exploration of Fear
Where do you go after an ending as definitive as Creep? The sequel takes a bold leap forward. Sara (Desiree Akhavan), a documentarian known for interviewing eccentric personalities, answers Josef’s ad—except this time, he’s upfront about being a serial killer. Or is he being sarcastic and meta?? The dynamic between the two leads is a refreshing twist: Sara isn’t easily intimidated, creating a fascinating game of psychological cat-and-mouse.
Key differences from the first film:
- Josef appears to shed his mask of innocence, offering an unvarnished look into his twisted mind.
- Sara’s boldness shifts the power dynamics, challenging Josef in ways Aaron never could.
- The humor is darker, but the horror hits just as hard, amplified by the unsettling chemistry between Duplass and Akhavan.
While it retains the intimate, lo-fi aesthetic of the original, Creep 2 feels more polished without losing the raw tension that defines the series. It pushes the boundaries of its concept while remaining true to the core of what made Creep work. The dialogue is just something truly to behold.
What to Expect from The Creep Tapes
And now, with the release of the first two episodes of The Creep Tapes, it’s clear this new format is taking the franchise in an exciting direction. The episodic nature allows for deeper exploration of Josef’s past, his psyche, and perhaps his future. Early hints suggest a mix of standalone encounters and overarching narrative threads, teasing:
- A lot more victims & new dynamics: Each episode seems to dive into a new character’s interaction with Josef, potentially exploring how different personalities react to his unnerving charm.
- A dive into Josef’s psyche. Will we finally learn why Josef became who he is? The series has a chance to explore his backstory and motivations, though part of his terror lies in the unexplained.
- An expansion of the Creep-verse. Could Josef encounter someone equally as dark? Could we see a victim turn the tables on him? The format opens up endless possibilities.
What’s especially intriguing is the mix of humor, horror, and psychological tension that fans of the films adore. Josef’s monologues, both terrifying and oddly poignant, are sure to remain a centerpiece. I’m definitely really enjoying being drip-fed more of Mark Duplass’ brilliance each week over on Shudder or AMC+. Definitely worth looking forward to each and every week. And I have to say, that The Creep Tapes really does feel like a natural evolution of the franchise. Just give me more of that insane character Josef, thank you very much. If the first two episodes are any indication, the series is doubling down on what makes Creep unique: its ability to unnerve while keeping you hooked, all through the lens of Mark Duplass’ masterful performance.
So, yeah – The Creep Tapes is Filled With More Duplass Brilliance and I can’t wait…
Edited by: CY