If you ever wondered what happens when a serial killer goes through a midlife crisis, Creep 2 is here to answer that existential question with more awkward silences, unsettling monologues, and so many cringey moments that you might need a therapy session afterward. Directed by Patrick Brice and written by Brice and Mark Duplass, Creep 2 is the sequel to the surprisingly brilliant Creep (2014), and like its predecessor, it’s another brilliant exercise in tension, discomfort, and the kind of dark humor that makes you feel like you’ve just been hugged by a stranger who’s just a little too into you. You know the one.
The Plot: Serial Killer Meets His Match (And Finds Himself in the Process)
At the heart of Creep 2 is Aaron, once again played by the delightful Mark Duplass, who is as charmingly deranged as ever. This time, Aaron is going through something of a midlife crisis, and instead of buying a convertible or getting a tattoo, he opts to work out his issues by luring a new victim (Sara, played by Desiree Akhavan) to his remote cabin, under the guise of making a documentary about his life as a serial killer. How sweet. But Aaron, who has spent the last several years killing people for sport, finds himself feeling a little… uninspired. Killing just doesn’t do it for him anymore, and what better way to find meaning in life than by asking a stranger to document your tragic, murderous existence? A couple of existential dilemmas and an open grave later, it turns out Aaron might just be as much of a mess as the people he kills—only he hasn’t figured that out yet.
Sara, however, is no ordinary victim. She’s a YouTuber with an unsuccessful web series about eccentric Craigslist clients. What’s the one thing every struggling content creator needs? That’s right: a good story to go viral. So, she reluctantly agrees to film Aaron’s “documentary” in the hopes of reviving her online career. What could possibly go wrong when you agree to spend the next 24 hours with a self-proclaimed serial killer in a secluded cabin? Spoiler alert: absolutely everything.
At first, Sara is skeptical. She’s not immediately convinced that Aaron is the serial killer he claims to be. But as the day unfolds, she quickly learns that Aaron is indeed full of surprises—like stabbing himself in the stomach and dragging her into an open grave. The “Romeo and Juliet” reenactment comes with a little more blood, a lot more awkwardness, and surprisingly tender moments that make you wonder if maybe this is just a weird romantic comedy where one party keeps trying to murder the other. Ah, love.
But then comes the twist—the kind of twist that would make M. Night Shyamalan jealous. With a shovel. But I digress. Aaron’s whole thing is that he’s a virgin who’s never been kissed, which is odd for a man who’s apparently been indulging in quite the homicidal hobby. But Aaron has never kissed anyone. Not even a “cursed” internet stranger. So, when Sara offers to kiss him—purely out of pity, I’m assuming—he accepts. Because nothing says “trustworthy” like a guy who wants to go full Romeo and Juliet with a shovel on the side.
The Characters: More Like Uncomfortable, Hilarious Train Wrecks
When it comes to character development, Creep 2 doesn’t hold back. Aaron, played by Duplass, is a study in awkwardness and creepy charm, mixing vulnerability with homicidal tendencies in a way that makes your skin crawl, but you just can’t look away. He’s like the guy at the bar who buys you three drinks and then immediately tells you about his unresolved mommy issues—except instead of a nice glass of wine, you’re getting a face full of existential dread and the occasional knife wound. Seriously, what is it about these self-aware serial killers that makes them so endearing in a way that no sane person should find attractive? Duplass’s performance is so good that you’ll almost root for Aaron to get a real job or, you know, maybe just go to therapy instead of murdering people.
Sara, played by Desiree Akhavan, is a standout. Her portrayal of a woman stuck between being a victim and a content creator is both relatable and darkly hilarious. She’s caught in a world of bad choices, not only agreeing to film Aaron’s documentary but also walking that fine line between sympathy for him and not wanting to be killed. If you’ve ever had to pretend to be interested in something for the sake of your career, you’ll sympathize with Sara’s reluctant acceptance of her situation. The comedy comes from her deadpan reactions and her determination to milk the entire situation for views, even when everything is falling apart. If Creep 2 were a commentary on modern media, Sara would be the embodiment of “Do it for the Vine,” except, you know, this time, she’s trying to survive a knife-wielding psycho. Same thing, really.
The Humor: Darker Than Your Last Tinder Date
The real magic of Creep 2 lies in its ability to balance tension and horror with just the right amount of dark humor. From the way Aaron casually drops lines like “You don’t know how hard it is being me” to his disturbing, yet strangely funny monologues, the film creates a space where you’re simultaneously horrified and weirdly entertained. It’s a mix of awkwardness and intensity, like being at a dinner party where one of the guests is a serial killer—and the other is absolutely fine with that. The film never lets you get too comfortable, always keeping you on edge, unsure whether you’re supposed to laugh or cringe. And that’s what makes it so delightfully unsettling.
The Ending: What’s Worse Than a Demon? A Serial Killer Who Knows How to Pout
The final scenes of Creep 2 are a masterclass in how to leave an audience with the worst case of whiplash possible. You think you know how it’s going to end, but then boom—Sara, the badass heroine of the piece, pulls a fast one that leaves you both relieved and disturbed. Without giving too much away (because I’m kind, really), let’s just say the ending is as satisfying as it is shocking—and it’s sure to have you questioning everything about your own life choices. It’s a perfect mixture of horror, humor, and unexpected empowerment.
Final Thoughts: Creep 2—The Only Horror Movie That Makes You Feel Bad About Your Own Life Choices
In conclusion, Creep 2 is an absolute gem of a film. It’s equal parts uncomfortable, hilarious, and downright horrifying. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you’ll walk away wondering how you just spent 80 minutes watching a man try to lure a woman to her death and somehow make it seem almost… charming? Mark Duplass and Desiree Akhavan’s performances are so good they almost make you forget that you’ve just watched a man almost get stabbed in a graveyard for the sake of “art.” Almost.
So, if you’re in the mood for a film that blends psychological horror, dark humor, and some seriously questionable life choices, then Creep 2 is the movie for you. Just don’t think the name, and you should be fine.
