When Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass first brought Creep to Netflix in 2015, it quickly became an unsettling hit in found-footage horror. The original movie’s psychological tension and mystery following a cameraman’s eerie encounter with Duplass’s serial killer character made it deeply disturbing, gripping viewers without any prior expectations. A sequel in 2017, featuring Desiree Akhavan, also delivered chilling suspense, proving the small, stripped-down format could effectively spook audiences. But after nearly a decade and many fans calling for a third installment, Shudder’s new six-part series The Creep Tapes has hit the streaming platform and it seems like this is one horror story that should have stayed buried.
The Story Behind The Creep Tapes
The Creep Tapes follows a familiar format. Duplass returns as Peachfuzz, the unsettling, mask-wearing killer, in each 30-minute episode. Most episodes feature a character lured by a well-paid “cameraman” job, who gradually realizes they are in serious danger. The episodes feel repetitive, lacking originality, with each victim being almost identical in personality. While a few minor story twists occur, there is little character depth, making it hard for viewers to care about the unfortunate souls who fall prey to Peachfuzz’s bizarre games.
In one notable episode, a true-crime filmmaker who’s past his prime is invited to capture Peachfuzz’s “perfect murder,” creating a momentary spark in an otherwise bland series. However, this limited creativity fades quickly, as the series returns to predictable patterns.
The Downside of The Creep Tapes : Repetitive and Self-Indulgent
Unlike the original films, which used a minimalistic style to create intense suspense, The Creep Tapes falls into repetitive storytelling, relying heavily on Duplass’s character without adding new layers of horror or tension. Peachfuzz, while initially unsettling, quickly loses his ability to truly frighten as the same patterns unfold in each episode. Instead, he becomes an annoying presence, with viewers more likely to feel irritated than scared.
The show lacks the tension and authenticity that found footage often provides. Classic found-footage horror uses shaky camera work, night-vision sequences, and limited visibility to heighten fear. Here, however, the style is stripped down to the point of feeling flat, offering few suspenseful moments and making each story feel shallow.
Missed Opportunities with Found-Footage Horror
One of the biggest issues with The Creep Tapes is how it handles the found-footage format. Found footage works because it immerses viewers in a “realistic” experience, making them pay close attention to subtle details and figure out what’s happening. For example, in Paranormal Activity or The Blair Witch Project, fear builds as viewers notice small, eerie details.
In The Creep Tapes, however, Peachfuzz explains his every move, removing any sense of mystery or dread. This tendency to over-explain is a misstep, as part of the horror genre’s appeal lies in leaving viewers to interpret and imagine. The audience doesn’t get to experience the tension that made the original films so effective.
Does Peachfuzz Have Staying Power?
Iconic horror villains like Freddy Krueger, Hannibal Lecter, or Chucky entertain while terrifying us. They’re both likable and unsettling, which keeps us invested. Peachfuzz, however, feels one dimensional and lacking in real menace, leaning heavily on awkward humor and creepy quirks that come off more irritating than scary.
The dialogue in The Creep Tapes doesn’t help, with lines like “Get that tooshie over here!” making Peachfuzz feel like an annoying relative rather than a truly terrifying predator.
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Time to Move On
In the end, The Creep Tapes feels like a hollow addition to Brice and Duplass’s Creep universe, suggesting that it might be time for the duo to close this chapter. Both creators have excelled in other genres, with Duplass earning praise for roles in shows like The Morning Show and films like Bluejay, while Brice’s teen horror There’s Someone Inside Your House demonstrates his ability to explore other horror formats.
If you’re a die-hard Creep fan, this new series might be worth a watch for nostalgia. But for everyone else, The Creep Tapes is unlikely to deliver the scares or suspense of its predecessors.