There are horror movies, and then there’s Creep (2014). This film is in a league of its own—a bizarre mix of slow-burn tension, psychological mind games, and comedy that makes it impossible to look away. Directed by and starring Patrick Brice alongside Mark Duplass, Creep is a prime example of the “found footage” genre done right, but what really sets it apart is the hilarious awkwardness that permeates every interaction between Josef and Aaron.
The real beauty of Creep is that it doesn’t try to be funny, yet it’s hilarious in the most uncomfortable way possible. Josef’s absurd antics, like popping out of nowhere wearing a wolf mask named “Peachfuzz” or forcing an incredibly awkward hot tub confession, create moments that are simultaneously terrifying and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s a horror movie that never lets you settle into any one emotion—just when you think you’re in for a jump scare, you’re hit with a moment so awkward, you can’t help but laugh. But it’s the kind of laugh that makes you feel guilty, like you’re laughing at something you shouldn’t, and that’s what makes Creep so special.
The tone of the film is unlike anything else. It’s intimate, unsettling, and yet strangely endearing. Josef is both creepy and likable—he's the guy who’s too friendly at the grocery store, the neighbor who asks just a few too many personal questions. But beneath the surface, there's something deeply wrong. By the end of this movie, you’re not sure whether to be terrified or to laugh hysterically. And that’s where its genius lies—it’s a comedy without trying to be, a horror film that creeps under your skin while you’re laughing at its ridiculousness.
In this edition of Fall Frights, we’ll look at this film’s three key characters—Josef, Aaron, and the elusive Angela—and match them with fragrances that best match their personality. Buckle up, because just like Creep, these fragrance matches are unsettling in the best possible way!
1. Josef
Josef, played by Mark Duplass, is the quintessential "friendly but weird" guy who slowly reveals that he’s more dangerous than eccentric. He invites Aaron to his cabin under the pretense of documenting his life for his unborn child, but it quickly becomes clear that Josef’s intentions are far more sinister. His seemingly innocent quirks—over-friendliness, uncomfortable jokes—soon turn into deeply unsettling behavior. Josef is manipulative, emotionally volatile, and enjoys blurring the line between genuine connection and psychological torment.
Fragrance Match: Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules
Josef’s ideal fragrance is Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules—a scent that plays tricks on you, just like Josef. The perfume’s note of Iso E Super is almost imperceptible to the wearer but has a strange, lingering effect on those around them, much like Josef’s charm. It’s elusive, just like Josef’s true nature—you can’t quite place it, but something feels off. Molecule 01 is a fragrance that sneaks up on you, becoming more noticeable over time, much like Josef’s increasing creepiness. Its subtlety mirrors Josef’s ability to manipulate without being overt, leaving an unsettling trace even when he’s not around.
2. Aaron
Aaron, the naive videographer hired to document Josef’s life, is eager, trusting, and just a little too polite for his own good. He brushes off Josef’s increasingly bizarre behavior because he’s too uncomfortable to confront it head-on, making him the perfect prey for someone like Josef. As the film progresses, Aaron’s reluctance to trust his gut instincts leads him deeper into danger. His initial optimism and willingness to believe the best in people are his greatest flaws, and they make him vulnerable to Josef’s manipulation.
Fragrance Match: Prada L’Homme
Aaron’s fragrance is Prada L’Homme—clean, fresh, and seemingly harmless, much like Aaron’s persona at the start of the film. With notes of neroli, iris, and amber, L’Homme is sophisticated but understated, embodying Aaron’s professional, innocent façade. It’s the scent of someone who wants to be seen as put-together and reliable, but much like Aaron’s decision-making, it’s a bit too safe. The fragrance has a calm, almost naive energy that reflects Aaron’s inability to recognize danger until it’s far too late. L’Homme is a scent that fits Aaron’s trusting nature—inviting and familiar, but ultimately vulnerable to being overpowered by something much darker.
3. Angela
Angela, Josef’s supposed wife, is a key figure in Creep, though we only hear about her throughout the film and never actually see her. From Josef’s strange stories about their relationship to the final phone call that changes everything, Angela's presence is like a haunting echo in the background. When she finally makes contact with Aaron at the end of the film, we realize she’s more of a warning than a character—a voice of reason trying to pull Aaron out of Josef’s grasp, though it’s already too late. Her voice comes across as calm yet filled with urgency, a last-ditch attempt to intervene in Josef’s twisted game.
Fragrance Match: Byredo’s Gypsy Water
Angela’s fragrance is Gypsy Water by Byredo—a scent that feels both elusive and comforting, like Angela’s unseen presence throughout the film. With its notes of bergamot, juniper berries, pine needles, and sandalwood, Gypsy Water has a wandering, ethereal quality that mirrors Angela’s ghost-like role in Josef’s narrative. The scent is earthy yet airy, grounding yet just out of reach—reflecting how Angela hovers on the edges of the story, only coming into focus to warn Aaron when it’s too late.
Final Thoughts
Creep is a spectacular example of psychological horror, where the true terror comes not from jump scares or gore, but from the slow unraveling of trust and safety. Josef and Aaron represent two sides of the same coin—one manipulative and unpredictable, the other trusting to a fault. In this chilling film, much like in life, it’s the seemingly harmless things that can be the most dangerous.
