Creepy (2016) Review

Kiyoshi Kurosawa is back to his nail-biting best with an investigative thriller that’s dominated by a malevolent psychopath.  Creepy takes the audience on a journey, bypassing the supernatural films that have overshadowed box offices in recent years, instead opting to focus a fear that’s a little close to home; mankind.

Based on a novel by Yutaka Maekawa, Creepy follows Takakura (Hidetoshi Nishijima), a former detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police who has since retired from the force due to a horrible incident that left him traumatized.  He now works at a university as a professor of criminal psychology.  Moving to the suburbs is supposed to be a peaceful experience, especially if it means leaving the rush of the big city behind.  But for Takakura and his wife, Yasuko (Yuko Takeuchi), find that people aren’t always so interested in meeting their neighbours.

Even though he has left his life as a police detective behind, Takakura’s former colleague, Nogami (Masahiro Higashide) asks for his assistance in an unsolved case regarding the disappearance of an entire family.  While it seems like the family up and left due to mounting debt, Takakura can’t help but feel that foul play is to blame.

However, Takakura’s investigation gradually uncovers some startling information.  It is revealed that the missing family had come under the influence of someone who deviously entered their lives, dominated them, and eventually killed them.  What’s more, to the surprise of Takakura, this mysterious figure bears an uncanny likeness to his new neighbour, Nishino (Teruyuki Kagawa).

That’s where things turn sinister and Takakura’s suspicion grows.  His suspicions are given life when Takakura is approached by Nishino’s daughter Mio, who whispers a shocking confession: “That man in my house is not my father… He’s a total stranger.”

Source: japantimes.co.jp

Beautifully shot, the cinematography is flawless as are the actors portrayals.  Hidetoshi Nishijima is mesmerizing as the lead, carrying the film with conviction.   Teruyuki Kagawa shines as Nishino, going from eccentric and odd behaviour to downright sinster through his body language.  The cast simply cannot be faulted.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who recently won Best Director for the Un Certain Regards section at the Cannes Film Festival 2015 for his drama Journey to the Shore turns to a totally different direction with this creepy psychological thriller.  It is a triumphant return to the horror/thriller genre, reminiscent of his 1997 film, Cure.

Bringing in a great ensemble cast of leading actors/actresses in Japan, Kurosawa who also co-wrote the screenplay has been quoted as saying: “Each actor exudes a mysterious delicacy and ferocity, which the camera has somehow been able to capture. The end result is this breath-taking thriller.”

With its gripping suspense and riveting story, Creepy marks Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s return to the horror genre with a horrific thriller so intense that audiences around the world will shiver in fear.  Truly terrifying as it tackles the age old question; Do you really want to know who your neighbours are?

Creepy opens in cinemas on November 25th in the UK & Ireland.