Creep(ing) Out Audiences

Kate a party girl hopes to meet George Clooney at a local bar, but instead she finds herself on the run from a demented creature who hopes to make her his next snack. Taking place in the underground subway system of downtown London Kate must use her wits to fend off the attacks of someone who lives and breathes in the back alleys of the subway tubes. Kate enlists the help of a security officer and a homeless couple to help her defeat this angry, lonely beast, but when they die the only person she has left to rely on is herself (Internet).

Rating: Restricted for strong bloody horror violence, language, some drug use and sexual content.

Release Date: December 20, 2005.

Starring: Franka Potente, Vas Blackwood, Ken Campbell, Jeremy Sheffield, Paul Rattray, Kelly Scott, and Sean Harris.

Director: Christopher Smith.

Writer: Christopher Smith.

From the United Kingdom "Creep," is a horror offering that centers on the claustrophibic feeling of being in a subway tunnel system after hours and the acting of Franka Potente is well done. Potente portrays a stranded female subway user on the run from some animal-like creature who likes to kill for sport. "Creep," also capitalizes on other fears like; musophobia (fear of rats), coprophobia (let us say fear of sewers), and autophobia (fear of being alone). Potente is seen mostly running frantically through tunnels and subway stations while screaming during climactic sequences. Not a difficult role, but Franka portrays the somewhat heroic vixen believably.

An original addition of a rat-like creature that feeds on human victims is a spooky watch while the subway tubes offer limitless potential for scares and chase sequences. Looking very similar to the creatures from "Descent," the rat thing talks little and looms over his snacks with inhuman loathing. "Creep," is not overly tense or suspenseful, but the number of bodies littering tracks, hallways, and sewer lines are enough to make the film a fun watch.

There are only a few subtle hints as to the origins of "rat-boy," and a back story really could have made the "Creep," a much better watch. From one hospital scene it seems like the creature is the end result of some type of genetic experiment gone really wrong. Almost human looking the villain enjoys tearing, maiming, and disfiguring those unfortunate enough to cross his path. Why the hatred for people? This is not given an explanation, but with some guesswork someone this creepy looking would not adjust to normal society too well. The creature is that ugly.

While the United Kingdom is not known for horror films the success of "The Descent," and "28 Days Later," hopefully means that English directors will continue to develop intelligent, original, and terrifying pieces like "Creep." See this slightly underground horror film, that tugs on the heart strings for the joy that is horror filmmaking.

One of several movie stills from "Creep," with character Guy (Jeremy Sheffield)begging for forgivness and help after attempting the rape of the main character:



Sources:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381966/