By Anthony Caruso
Let’s get straight to it: "Creeping Death" is a charmingly flawed yet delightful addition to the modern horror landscape. A Screambox original that was released earlier this month, it has all the hallmarks of a classic Spooky Season watch, perfect for those chilly October nights. While it may not be a technical masterpiece, it’s a love letter to the Halloween spirit that will surely find its way into your annual rotation.
As many of these movies do, the film centers around a group of teenagers trying to have a fun and irresponsible Halloween night out. While the acting ranges from serviceable to outright cringeworthy, the cast is refreshingly relatable. They look like real kids, not polished Instagram models, which adds a layer of authenticity. The exception is Delian Lincourt, who is stunning in an almost unrealistic girl-next-door type of way, and who I also feel confident in saying is the best character in the film. She draws you in with her natural charm and charisma, and her character is the kindest of the group. The group's chemistry overall, however, is palpable, and you genuinely care about their fates as they face off against a terrifying monster rooted in Irish folklore: the Aos Si. I have to commend the creature design: it's cool and intimidating and is an interesting take on what is essentially a type of fairy or elf in Celtic mythology. And while it's your standard mindless horror movie beast, it's memorable enough to elevate it above a lot of run-of-the-mill creatures found in a lot of slashers nowadays.
Regarding the writing, it's fine. It's nothing special and leans into cliches, but Matt Sampere - who didn't just write this film, but directed it and stars as the lead character, Tim, as well - knows exactly the kind of movie he wants to make. And there is some really good stuff in the average script. Indeed, the movie's strongest aspect is the heartbreaking subplot surrounding Tim’s mother battling brain cancer, which I found to be a nice touch to the film that helps ground it amidst all of the supernatural chaos. It hits all the right emotional beats, adding weight to Tim’s struggles, and makes you truly invested in his journey.
That said, "Creeping Death" does have its shortcomings. It frequently looks cheap—obviously, a product of its streaming roots—and some background actors are caught in the throes of overacting, reminiscent of the B-movie charm found in films like "Terrifier." But let’s be real; something is endearing about its self-awareness. Matt Sampere's direction captures this essence beautifully, turning potential flaws into delightful quirks. And what really sets "Creeping Death" apart from a lot of Spooky Season fare, in my opinion, is Sampere's clear love for the Halloween holiday itself. Every single frame is filled to the brim with a vibrant autumnal atmosphere. It oozes Halloween vibes throughout its entire runtime - hell, even all of our teenage characters are dressed like the characters from the holiday classic, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"! - making it a perfect film to watch while sipping apple cider or a nice, hot pumpkin spice latte while carving pumpkins. In short, despite its low budget, it evokes that classic spooky feel that many recent horror films often miss.
In the end, I found myself really enjoying this movie and wanting to spend more time in this universe. "Creeping Death" is good enough that I’d love to see a sequel, perhaps with a bigger budget and a deeper dive into the mythology of the Aos Si. Here’s hoping it garners enough views to make that happen. Whether or not it does, however, this one is worth a watch on its own - especially if you’re looking for a film that captures the spirit of Halloween with a blend of heart, humor, and just the right amount of scares. Add "Creeping Death" to your annual Spooky Season lineup—you won’t regret it!