‘The Creep Tapes’ Recap: ‘Brad’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Mark Duplass as Josef in Episode 104 of ‘The Creep Tapes’ – ‘Brad’. (Photo Courtesy of Shudder/Duplass Brothers Productions.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
 
It really is quite amazing what the new Shudder series, The Creep Tapes, is accomplishing from a storytelling standpoint. For while these episodes all follow a fascinating similar format, wherein Josef takes the time to lure, tease, and torture his prey on camera before violently murdering them, they offer up something unique every single time. Such as creative characters for Josef to play, and some fascinating themes and ideas. Since the pilot worked to reintroduce us to this universe with dark comedy and twisted moments, while episode two showed us the brilliance and savagery of Josef, and last week’s adventure showcased how much he enjoys the kill.
 
If anything, this is top of mind today, simply because this week’s episode took the time to add to this richness. Since ‘Brad’ showcased a little more about Josef himself. Such as what he enjoys in this life when he’s not stabbing people, what might have transformed him into a monster and why he likes this format for killing. All of which was buried beneath a terrifying journey for a former documentarian that was once beloved by all of Hollywood. Because Brad went from hero to hard times and was taking this job to get some much-needed rent money, and it wasn’t long before he was trapped in one of Josef’s little funhouses of horror. Since our killer tasked Brad with solving a murder and bringing the bad guy to justice.
 
But of course, that went south and eventually Brad went from sleuth to victim and died horribly as all of Josef’s victims do. Which was harrowing and intense and twisted. Since Josef once again enjoyed the kill in front of him. But the little moments before that death mattered a lot. In part because Josef showed a real love for Brad’s work and documentaries in general. In fact, this might be the first time we did not see Josef bullshit his victim, because there was a real joy in his voice in meeting Brad and in how he admired his work and that spoke to the fact, he’s a cinephile for certain, and that is likely his hobby. Not to mention… he loves theatrics and loves the idea of having his work chronicled in a manner where it would show up on a major network somewhere down the line.
 
Which is why he constantly sets up a grand story for people to follow. So that they are treated to entertainment and connect with a story that ends so badly. Hence his love of acting, and his constant references to other movies he loves, and this was a nice twist to inject into the story. Since we know so little about Josef. But the crown jewel of this segment is that we might have received a touch of an origin story for Josef. Because what seems like a throwaway line when he first meets Brad here, wherein Josef mentions losing someone that meant something to him under ugly circumstances, is a clue. Because he was honest there. At least, he FELT honest there, and there is a fair chance that moment speaks to how he became a monster.
 
That could relate to how that trauma snapped him and turned him into a bloodthirsty killer trying to fill a void, or they were the first kill. The person that gave him a taste of what he needed all along. All of which, gave rise to a fascinating and intense tale. One that truly took us to new heights by having Josef open up for the first time. Or… he simply lied through his teeth. To really gain trust and get what he wanted. But you have to wonder… if there was more to all this. Because this story is calculated and deliberate and wants to accomplish specifics. So, only time will tell. But that added to the wonder of an incredible story that kept us engaged and nervous, and it will be interesting to see what other themes are explored and what other truths are potentially exposed, as season one of this series continues along. Until next time.

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