Mark Duplass & Creep Series: Horror Redefined

Being flexible is one word that defines the actor, director, and writer Mark Duplass. Not only has he made a mark about the actor, but he has also conquered the domains of writing, direction, and melodious compositions.

It is characterized by one that was unique and influential, namely “Creep,” a psychological horror movie. Although the film was co-written and co-starred by Duplass, the film directed by Patrick Brice in 2014 is a unique take on the found footage genre that viewers and critics loved.

The Origins of “Creep”

Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice initially joined in 2014 to develop “Creep”, a psychological horror that has been recognized as the new cult film. The movie is centered on a man named Scott, portrayed by Brice, who takes a job from Craigslist, which entails being a videographer for a very strange man named Jeff, played by Duplass.

There seems to be nothing wrong with this job, HCMG set up by Duplass to simply be disturbing as the viewers learn what this man is actually capable of. It must be said that the movie was a great fit of the horror genre due to the darkness and minimum of stage decorations. First showcased at South by Southwest, “Creep” was more than well-received and enjoys 91% on the Rotten Tomatoes, categorically establishing “Creep” as a perfect example of modern horror. 

Popular “Creep” Video and The Subsequent Companion Film

As it is quite often with the films of today, a sequel to the original movie was more or less presupposed. It has been ten years since Glen, the mysterious character portrayed by Duplass, left viewers puzzled, and the sequel, “Creep 2“, came out in 2017. This time around, the movie did not receive a similar reception as the first part, but inasmuch as it was not as popular, it managed to garner a larger cult audience.

What freewheeling approach the first film had simply cannot be said to have been as tightly choreographed for the second; however, the grind, the stalking, the lurking behind the bushes feeling was still very much present. The documentary aspect was retained throughout the project, and this element helped Duplass and Brice to build something that had not become a cliché at that time. 

The Transition to Television: “The Creep Tapes”

Building on the success of the films, both Duplass and Brice have now decided to take the “Creep” franchise and make a TV series that will be called ” The Creep Tapes“. This change of setting may have been due to the continuing popularity and the consequent increasing fan-following of the films, which pointed towards a more expansive picture.

Apparently, derived from a series of videotapes of the most socially inept but professional killer in the world, who lures his victims into taping him. Where each part of the serial will be based on one of the “creep tapes,” it will add a new victim’s flashback and build on the sinister tone set by the cinematic releases.

Production and Creative Control: The Brothers’ Logo

It remains true that the Duplass brothers, who have long been associated with a mode of indie filmmaking, do not disappoint with “The Creep Tapes“. They are being produced individually; international sales are managed by CAA. This approach also serves the benefit to the Duplass brothers, as they are free to remain original in their approach, keeping with the tone and aesthetics of the films.

Mark Duplass has been tooting the horn of the series online, thereby making the fans wait for more information on the show. The production has been taken to the prospective buyers, and the brothers believe that the series will end up in the right hands that will provide the creative outlet for it.

Reception and Future Expectations: Horror has a new directory.

The reviews of the first “Creep” movies were quite positive, and there is a lot of expectation for the series. Duplass and Brice are convinced that implementing the format of an anthology in “The Creep Tapes” will make them free to create more profound narratives in the creature of horror. One thing that this new format may do is bring even more people into the “Creep” franchise and expand the popularity even more.

[ Also Read: 7 Horror Movies That Are So Close to Perfect, They’ll Haunt You ]

Challenges and the Road Ahead

When the first creep movie got success, the second faced some challenges. In an interview held in 2020 by IndieWire, Brice admitted that he was not happy with the sequel, arguing that it did not meet their expectations. However, this has not stopped the filmmakers from delving deeper into the Creep universe.

Brice shared they have attempted writing a script for a third installment twice, though he seemed uncertain about it. Nevertheless, they are excited about what lies ahead for Creep 3 because, according to Brice, there is a script idea that sounds promising enough to revive the franchise.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Creep

In the upcoming years, we can expect more Creep (2014) movies as Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice continue working on this horror series. Fanatics of the original movies can easily look forward to future installments either through a new TV series or a possible third film release in the near future; the “Creep” universe is still brimming with chances.

Duplass and Brice’s dedication to innovation and expression will allow them to extend their hold even further into the purview of horror fiction in order to amaze spectators for an indefinite period of time.