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The Creep Tapes: Episode 5 (Brandt) Review

06 Friday Dec 2024

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Shudder Original Series
Series Premiere Date: December 6, 2024

Every great series has that pivotal episode, the one that redefines its boundaries and deepens its intrigue. For The Creep Tapes, Brandt is that turning point. Stripping back the usual framework of Josef manipulating his unwitting subjects, this episode flips the script by having the titular Brandt fail to show up. What unfolds is less an external game of cat-and-mouse and more an internal confrontation between Josef and his own monstrous psyche.

Without the usual dynamic to lean on, Josef is left alone in his hotel room, his performance faltering in the absence of an audience. Here, the episode takes an ambitious leap, inviting the audience into Josef’s fragmented mind. It’s a bold move, delving into the character’s warped psyche while still keeping us tethered to the unnerving energy the series thrives on. This shift could have easily derailed the show’s momentum, but it lands confidently on the right side of quality, balancing psychological horror with dark, surreal humor.

And then there’s Peachfuzz. The haunting specter of the wolf mask, once an external emblem of Josef’s menacing persona, now turns inward. As Josef stares into the mask, it’s no longer a tool of intimidation but a mirror reflecting the depths of his madness. These sequences are harrowing and hypnotic, offering the audience an uncomfortably intimate look at Josef’s inner demons.

But Brandt isn’t content with just brooding introspection. It delivers a killer blow in the final moments—one of pitch-perfect comic timing. The tonal shift is jarring in the best way, reminding us of the show’s ability to keep its audience off balance, laughing nervously even as the tension tightens.

With Brandt, The Creep Tapes continues to push boundaries, proving that it’s not afraid to take risks or challenge its own formula. This episode reframes Josef not just as a predator but as a deeply broken man wrestling with his own creation—a narrative pivot that keeps the series fresh and unsettling.

  • Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes Series are currently streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

The Creep Tapes: Episode 4 (Brad) Review

29 Friday Nov 2024

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Shudder Original Series
Series Premiere Date: November 29, 2024

The Creep Tapes elevates its game in Episode 4, Brad, with the arrival of Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within) as the eponymous character. Ruben’s charisma and comedic timing inject much-needed energy into the series, offering a fresh perspective on the psychological games orchestrated by Josef. As Brad, Ruben plays a failed director desperate for recognition, lured into Josef’s twisted narrative under the pretense of directing a career-defining documentary. This setup allows the episode to explore themes of vanity, ambition, and manipulation, making it one of the most compelling entries yet.

The premise—that Brad must document an already-committed murder—delivers on its chilling potential. The tension steadily builds as Brad’s ego clashes with his growing realisation of Josef’s true intentions. Ruben deftly navigates the arc of a man trapped between his aspirations and survival, delivering a performance that balances dark humor with genuine pathos. The interplay between Brad and Josef is electric, with Josef weaponising Brad’s desperation, pulling him deeper into his web of control.

Visually, Brad is one of the more cinematic episodes, with the mockumentary style heightening the sense of unease. The direction cleverly juxtaposes Brad’s dreams of grandeur with the gritty, unpolished reality of Josef’s sinister project. The episode excels in pacing, maintaining suspense while unraveling the layers of Josef’s plan. The cat-and-mouse dynamic reaches a thrilling crescendo, as Brad realises he must outsmart Josef to escape—not only with his life but his dignity intact.

However, the episode does stumble slightly in its resolution. While the tension is palpable throughout, the conclusion feels somewhat abrupt, leaving lingering questions and the moral underpinnings of Brad’s choices. Still, Brad stands out as a high point in The Creep Tapes, showcasing the series’ ability to delve deeper into the psychological and emotional complexities of its characters.

  • Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes Series are currently streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

The Creep Tapes: Episode 3 (Jeremy) Review

22 Friday Nov 2024

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Shudder Original Series
Series Premiere Date: November 22, 2024

In “Jeremy,” The Creep Tapes continues its deep dive into unsettling territory with a narrative that centers on lust, shame, and deceit. The titular character Jeremy is a burgeoning YouTuber who hosts a show titled Gotcha!, dedicated to exposing controversial figures. His latest subject, a self-proclaimed priest, leads him directly into the orbit of Josef, the infamous serial killer from the series. What begins as a seemingly bold exposé unravels into a chilling game, with Jeremy’s curiosity and hubris placing him squarely in Josef’s sights.

Mark Duplass returns as Josef, delivering a character performance steeped in manipulative charm and sinister undertones. While it’s always intriguing to see Duplass breathe life into this calculating villain, the narrative risks becoming repetitive. Josef’s tactics, while terrifying, are increasingly predictable, stripping some of the tension that earlier episodes had so masterfully constructed. Jeremy’s arc, though compelling in concept, doesn’t quite break the mold, relying on familiar tropes of an unsuspecting victim lured by a dangerous predator.

Where the episode shines is in its exploration of themes. Lust and shame are woven into the fabric of Jeremy’s interactions with Josef, underscored by a theological backdrop that highlights the dangers of blind faith and deception. Unfortunately, these elements are undermined by uneven pacing and a lack of innovation in the series’ now-established formula.

At its halfway point, The Creep Tapes risks stagnation unless it takes bold narrative leaps to freshen Josef’s story. While “Jeremy” is a serviceable entry with moments of dread and intrigue, it doesn’t quite match the impact of earlier episodes. If the series can shift gears and surprise viewers, there’s hope it will regain its momentum.

  • Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes Series are currently streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

Rita (2024) – A Missed Opportunity in Dark Fantasy Storytelling

22 Friday Nov 2024

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Jayro Bustamante’s Rita is a visually ambitious yet emotionally shallow re-imagination of the horrifying 2017 Guatemala orphanage fire. While its foundation—a melding of real-world tragedy with a dark fantasy lens—seems ripe for compelling storytelling, Rita stumbles in its execution, failing to deliver on its potential. The film presents a 13-year-old girl’s harrowing escape from an abusive father, only to find herself in a dystopian state-run institution. Here, fantastical beings and super-powered girls take center stage, attempting to rebel against the malevolent forces controlling their world.

The film’s premise is undeniably intriguing, and Bustamante’s attempt to incorporate fantasy elements, like Rita joining groups called Angels, Wolves, and Rainbows, is conceptually interesting. However, the narrative falters under the weight of sluggish pacing and dialogue-heavy sequences that neither propel the plot nor deepen the characters. Giuliana Santa Cruz gives a commendable performance as Rita, but even her earnest portrayal cannot breathe life into a script that feels meandering and disjointed. While one might hope for the emotional resonance and symbolic depth of a film like Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, Rita instead comes across as lacklustre and uninspired.

The film’s biggest misstep lies in its failure to honour the gravity of its source material. The 2017 tragedy is a stark and deeply troubling piece of recent history, yet Rita struggles to balance its fantastical re-imagining with the weight of the real events. The result is a narrative that feels hollow and disconnected from the emotional core it seeks to explore.

The Prognosis:

Despite its commendable ambition and some striking visual moments, Rita ultimately lacks the substance and cohesion to leave a lasting impact. It’s a disappointing venture that falls far short of its promising premise.

  • Saul Muerte

Rita is streaming on Shudder from Fri 22nd November

The Creep Tapes: Episodes 1 & 2 Review

15 Friday Nov 2024

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Shudder Original Series
Series Premiere Date: November 15, 2024

The double-episode premiere of The Creep Tapes plunges us back into the disconcerting world of Mark Duplass’s chilling serial killer. In Mike, the first episode, a familiar formula greets us as Mike, a hopeful videographer, accepts a job to shoot an acting reel for a prospective client. The twist? That “client” turns out to be none other than Duplass’s now-iconic antagonist, bringing with him all the self-deprecating charm and unsettling humor we’ve come to expect. Episode two, Elliot, introduces a shift in tone, as a hapless birdwatcher stumbles into the killer’s orbit, sparking a disturbing game of manipulation.

The Good
The series premiere hits the ground running with Mike, diving into territory fans of the original films will relish. Duplass’s performance anchors the episode, weaving humor, unpredictability, and genuine menace into every interaction. The callbacks to Creep and Creep 2—from Josef’s cinephile tendencies to his darkly comic musings—strike a nostalgic chord while setting a brutal tone. The climax delivers a shocking punch, ensuring audiences won’t underestimate this series’ capacity for horror.

In Elliot, the series ventures into slightly more harrowing emotional terrain. The gentle, unassuming Elliot proves a sharp contrast to his tormentor, heightening the tension and giving Duplass even more room to showcase his character’s manipulative prowess. The second episode suggests a broader exploration of the killer’s impact on different personality types, teasing the psychological depth the series might delve into as it progresses.

The Less Good
While Mike benefits from familiarity, it treads so close to the original Creep that it risks feeling derivative. The reliance on established beats could leave some viewers wanting more innovation in its approach. Meanwhile, Elliot is a more engaging departure but lacks the humor and levity of its predecessor, leaning heavily into discomfort without providing much narrative payoff.

Key Standouts
Duplass once again proves he’s the linchpin of this series. His ability to balance Josef’s disarming charm with an undercurrent of malice remains compelling, ensuring viewers are as entertained as they are unnerved. The visual style—grainy, intimate, and voyeuristic—draws audiences into the killer’s unsettling perspective, reminding us why Creep thrived as a cult favorite.

The Prognosis:

The premiere of The Creep Tapes captures the essence of what made the original films so effective: a low-budget, character-driven approach to horror that feels personal and claustrophobic. While Mike sticks closely to the formula, Elliot hints at darker, more introspective possibilities. Together, these episodes lay a solid foundation for a series that promises to unsettle and entertain in equal measure.

  • Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes Series are currently streaming Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

The Creep Tapes: Mark Duplass Returns in a Chilling New Series That Brings the Horror Home

12 Tuesday Nov 2024

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As horror fans know, some of the most unsettling scares don’t come from elaborate effects or high budgets—they emerge from intimate, character-driven stories that crawl under the skin. The Creep Tapes, a Shudder Original Series premiering on November 15, aims to deliver just that. Building on the spine-tingling foundation of the 2014 cult hit Creep, the series reunites the original creators, Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice, who brought us the disturbingly charming yet unnervingly unstable protagonist, Josef. With Duplass returning to the role of the enigmatic serial killer, this series promises an eerie experience that pushes boundaries and keeps audiences riveted.

The original Creep film thrived on its low-budget charm, turning a stripped-down, found-footage setup into an intensely unsettling experience. The series appears poised to follow suit, proving once again that horror doesn’t need lavish sets or CGI to get viewers’ hearts pounding. Here, the atmosphere is everything—raw, grainy footage brings a voyeuristic quality that makes each scene feel real, as if the terror is unfolding in the next room over. The simplicity of the setup—a videographer unknowingly documenting his own descent into darkness—creates a dread that builds with every frame. With The Creep Tapes, Shudder taps into the appeal of Creep and Creep 2, delivering a gritty, claustrophobic look into the killer’s mind that only becomes more menacing with each episode.

At the heart of this series’ potential is Duplass’s haunting performance. His portrayal of a maniac whose motives are as confusing as they are sinister is nothing short of mesmerising. Playing a predator who is both disarming and unhinged, Duplass infuses the character with a subtle, unpredictable menace that’s as charming as it is chilling. It’s this very duality that made the original film so effective, drawing audiences in with Josef’s unsettlingly friendly nature only to shatter any semblance of safety with his underlying menace. With Duplass back at the helm, viewers can expect an even deeper dive into this chilling character, one that will likely push The Creep Tapes into “must-watch” territory for horror fans seeking psychological tension and atmosphere over jump scares.

This new series amplifies the simplicity that made the original such a success. As each videographer steps into Josef’s twisted game, the narrative explores not only their harrowing experiences but the dangerously manipulative charms of the killer himself. The viewer becomes a silent observer, drawn closer and closer to the horrors unfolding on screen. And with Duplass and Brice’s creative control, fans can expect a series that honours the first two films while expanding the lore, providing more insight into the mind of this manipulative predator and his increasingly sinister tactics.

For those looking for horror that strips away Hollywood polish to reveal something raw, The Creep Tapes may be a dark horse that leaves a lasting impression. In an age of sleek, glossy productions, Duplass’s Josef reminds us that horror is sometimes most potent when it’s uncomfortably close, blurred, and right in your face. Prepare for The Creep Tapes to lure you in and make you question if you’re ever truly alone—on or off camera.

  • Saul Muerte

The Creep Tapes – Shudder Original Series premieres exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ from Friday 15 November

– Saul will be posting weekly ep reviews each week, so keep your eyes peeled.

Black Cab: A Promising Ride That Veers Off Course into Confusion

09 Saturday Nov 2024

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When Anne and Patrick stumble into a black cab after a rough night out, they’re expecting a typical ride home—a relief from the cold night and the tensions simmering between them. However, the journey quickly turns dark as the cabbie, initially cheery and talkative, veers off course and takes them down a haunting, deserted road. It’s not long before the couple realises they’re locked in, trapped with a man whose jovial front hides something far more sinister. The setup is promising, drawing viewers in with an eerie atmosphere and unsettling undertones as the cab glides through unknown territory. Nick Frost’s cabbie is a captivating presence, maintaining a blend of unnerving charm and cryptic intent that keeps you guessing, at least at first.

The initial intrigue fades, though, as the film’s promise gets buried under an overly complicated narrative. It hints at folklore and supernatural elements but becomes too tangled in its own mythology, leaving audiences grasping for clarity. What could have been a tight, suspenseful thriller becomes increasingly disjointed, as each twist raises more questions than it answers. The film’s ambition to intertwine folklore with psychological terror is admirable, but it ultimately muddies the plot rather than enhancing it. By the midway point, it’s difficult to know whether the driver is meant to be supernatural, insane, or something in between. This indecisiveness leaves viewers adrift, and the potential fear factor wanes as confusion grows.

Frost delivers a solid performance, balancing his sinister and offbeat personas with the kind of ambiguity that could have made for a terrifying antagonist. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t give him enough to work with, pulling him—and the story—in too many directions to sustain a cohesive character arc. Anne and Patrick’s characters, while positioned as central to the driver’s twisted motives, remain frustratingly thin, with little to root for in their strained relationship. Their lack of depth also makes it harder to invest in their fate, leaving the suspense feeling lukewarm as the stakes grow unclear.

While Black Cab certainly has moments that showcase a creepy atmosphere, the lack of a clear trajectory undermines the tension that should be building. The deserted road setting, dark and mist-filled, is effectively spooky, yet the narrative undercuts the potential of this location, losing itself in meandering explanations of haunted histories that detract from the urgency of the couple’s plight. As the film lurches towards its bewildering conclusion, the story collapses into a mishmash of horror clichés and unfulfilled setups.

For horror fans seeking a taut, edge-of-your-seat thriller, Black Cab may be disappointing. The movie teases a terrifying ride but fails to stay on track, bogged down by a script that confuses mystery with aimlessness. With a stronger focus and a leaner narrative, it might have delivered on its bold premise, but as it stands, Black Cab is a missed opportunity that only occasionally taps into the horror lurking in the dark.

  • Saul Muerte

Azrael (2024): A Silent Scream That Fizzles Out

22 Tuesday Oct 2024

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“Azrael,” the latest action-horror from E.L. Katz, delivers a premise that sounds intriguing on paper—an eerie world devoid of speech, where a brutal female-led cult relentlessly hunts an escaped prisoner. Add the ever-captivating Samara Weaving into the mix, and expectations for some gripping, visceral action naturally rise. But while the film presents a brave, somewhat daring attempt to create a unique atmosphere, it ultimately falls short of delivering anything with real substance.

Weaving, known for her sharp intensity in past roles, undoubtedly carries the weight of the film on her shoulders. Her portrayal of Azrael, a woman fighting tooth and nail for survival, does bring some much-needed energy to the screen. When the action finally arrives, it’s clear that Weaving is skilled at kicking butt. Yet even her talent can’t save the film from its sluggish pace and lack of depth. It takes an eternity for the narrative to shift into gear, and by the time it does, the payoff feels disappointingly underwhelming.

The lack of dialogue is clearly intended to enhance the atmosphere, creating an unsettling and immersive world where silence is a weapon. However, the film’s over-reliance on this stylistic choice backfires. Without any meaningful verbal exchanges, the story begins to feel as barren as the film’s haunting wilderness setting. What could have been a tension-building device instead results in a narrative that often drags, leaving the audience feeling disconnected.

Visually, the film does have its moments. The desolate landscapes and stark imagery evoke a sense of isolation, and the concept of a voiceless world initially adds an eerie, unsettling layer. But these strengths aren’t enough to compensate for the weak character development and the rather predictable plot. The film meanders, and when it finally hits its stride in the action department, it’s too little, too late. Weaving is given far too few opportunities to shine, and the action sequences, though well-choreographed, lack the punch needed to make a lasting impact.

The Prognosis:

“Azrael” is a film with plenty of ambition, but it’s an example of how high-concept ideas require more than just a strong lead actor to succeed. It’s a brave effort from Katz, but without a stronger narrative core and more compelling action, it simply doesn’t have the gravitas to pull off the trick. Samara Weaving may be kicking butt, but even her powerful presence can’t elevate this film beyond its mediocre execution.

  • Saul Muerte

Azrael will stream on Shudder from Fri 25th Oct.

MadS – A Mesmerizing, One-Shot Descent into Chaos

15 Tuesday Oct 2024

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MadS, premiering on Shudder Fri Oct 18th, delivers a unique and haunting cinematic experience, thanks to its audacious one-shot technique. The film tells a harrowing end-of-the-world story through a slow, decaying unraveling of both its characters and their reality. With its seamless visual style, MadS manages to capture a gripping narrative that is both unsettling and unnervingly intimate.

The story follows Romain, played by Milton Riche, a teenager who tests a new drug from his dealer before heading out for a night of partying. Things take a surreal and nightmarish turn when he picks up an injured woman on the way home. As the night spirals out of control, reality begins to fracture, plunging both Romain and the audience into a world of escalating chaos. This disorienting experience is heightened by the film’s single-take format, which immerses viewers directly in the action.

What sets MadS apart is how it masterfully manages its pacing. The one-shot technique could have easily felt gimmicky, but here, it enhances the story’s deeply unsettling atmosphere. The slow unraveling of Romain’s night—and his sanity—feels organic and relentless, with each moment of dread lingering uncomfortably long. The film’s technical precision allows every interaction and event to build tension, which only increases as Romain’s relationship with his girlfriend Anaïs (Lucille Guillaume) begins to fray under the weight of the night’s growing horror.

Milton Riche’s performance as Romain is both raw and captivating. He skillfully portrays Romain’s descent into fear and confusion, making the character’s unraveling feel authentic and deeply affecting. His gradual shift from casual indifference to desperate panic drives the film’s emotional core. Lucille Guillaume, playing Anaïs, brings a grounded intensity to her role, offering a fragile yet determined counterbalance to Romain’s increasingly erratic behavior.

The film’s technical prowess extends beyond its performances, as the one-shot approach works in tandem with moody lighting and a haunting soundscape to amplify the film’s surreal atmosphere. The unbroken, continuous shot offers no escape from the mounting tension, leaving viewers trapped alongside Romain as he navigates dark streets, ominous encounters, and the looming threat of an unseen, pervasive force.

While MadS dips into abstract and surreal territory, leaving parts of its story open to interpretation, this ambiguity works in its favor. The film thrives on its ability to create discomfort and uncertainty, making every moment feel unpredictable and charged with menace. Its dreamlike quality makes the viewer question what is real and what is the product of Romain’s altered state, adding to the growing sense of helplessness.

At its core, MadS is about the fear of losing control—over oneself, one’s reality, and the future. This exploration of chaos and disintegration, both personal and external, is captured in every frame, making it a haunting and thought-provoking film.

The Prognosis:

MadS delivers a chilling and captivating one-shot experience. Its unique style, unsettling performances, and slow-burn tension make it a standout feature on Shudder. For fans of immersive, psychological horror, MadS is a must-watch, offering a powerful reflection on the fragility of reality when chaos takes hold.

  • Saul Muerte

MadS will be streaming on Shudder from Fri 18 Oct

Daddy’s Head – A Sinister Take on Familiar Terrors

08 Tuesday Oct 2024

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Shudder’s latest original, Daddy’s Head, follows a path well-trodden in horror, diving into themes of grief, mental health, and the complicated relationship between a grieving child and a struggling stepmother. While these are common threads in horror cinema, Daddy’s Head still manages to carve out moments of eerie tension that linger long after the film’s conclusion.

Set in the vast isolation of a rural estate, the film places the young boy at its emotional core. His confusion and loss after the sudden death of his father create an unsettling atmosphere, one that is heightened by his stepmother’s emotional distance. As the boy becomes haunted by a grotesque creature resembling his father, his stepmother dismisses his warnings, believing them to be mere figments of a grieving mind. This dismissal, of course, only tightens the grip of the sinister entity, with the boy’s warnings becoming more urgent.

Where Daddy’s Head shines is in the execution of its most disturbing moments. The eerie sounds echoing through the halls, the glimpses of the monstrous father figure, and the growing tension between the boy and his stepmother all contribute to a sense of creeping dread. The film effectively taps into the fear of being ignored when something truly menacing is lurking just out of sight.

However, it’s hard to ignore that Daddy’s Head leans heavily on well-known tropes. The child who sees what the adults don’t, the stepmother struggling to fill the role of parent, and the supernatural manifestation of unresolved grief all feel familiar. While the film crafts a decent narrative around these elements, it doesn’t quite escape the shadow of similar films that have come before it.

The Prognosis:

In spite of its predictability, Daddy’s Head does manage to resonate thanks to its haunting moments and unsettling creature design. It won’t revolutionise the genre, but it crafts a sufficiently sinister tale that horror fans will find some satisfaction in.

  • Saul Muerte

Daddy’s Head premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 11 October