In this interview, we sit down with Patrick Biesemans, the director behind Creep Box, a film that pushes the boundaries of psychological horror and science fiction. The story explores the unsettling question of life after death, following a scientist’s desperate attempt to communicate with the beyond—only to find that the answers he uncovers come at a terrifying cost.
Creep Box offers more than just a chilling story—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of grief, ethics, and the limits of scientific discovery. In this conversation, Biesemans shares his creative vision for the film, the philosophical themes that inspired it, and how it can spark rich discussions in both academic and cinematic settings. Whether you’re looking to explore the intersection of technology and human experience, or simply appreciate a film that leaves you questioning what lies beyond the known, this interview gives you a glimpse into the making of a truly unique cinematic experience.
Creep Box explores the intersection of grief and technology. What inspired you to explore these themes? Were there any personal experiences or societal events that particularly influenced your vision for this film?
I started roughly sketching out the concept for what would become Creep Box in 2019. AI, or AGI hadn’t entered the zeitgeist yet, but I was spending a long time on the phone with an ailing loved one. They sadly passed on in 2020, and when that happened I listened to old voicemails from this person often. Ultimately, that led to me thinking about technology and the grieving process.
Franklin has some fascinating philosophical chats with Adam, referencing figures like Pythagoras and Descartes. What was your thought process in picking these influences? How do they enhance the conversations in the film?
I wouldn’t say that I specifically picked Pythagoras or Descartes, but rather dipped into a broad spectrum of philosophies as a way to give Adam and Franklin common ground to build a quick relationship. I think we understand their viewpoints much faster because depression is a universal language.
Franklin’s journey really challenges viewers’ ideas about science and spirituality. What did you want audiences to take away regarding his changing perspective on life after death?
I don’t think Franklin’s perspective changed all that much over the course of the film, maybe the experience affirmed what he’d suspected to be his truth. That said, I never thought about what the audience might take away because all of it is so ambiguous. I’ve had some meaningful conversations with audience members, hearing what resonated or struck a chord with them has been both unexpected and fulfilling.
The “Creep Box” device is central to the story. What was your vision for its design?
I worked with a very talented designer named Dominic Brooks (positronic.studio). He and I agreed that we wanted The Device to be something that felt industrial, stark, and a bit like a sci-fi skyscraper. It was never meant to look like a consumer facing product, but more of a timeless piece of sci-fi technology.
What do you think sets your film apart from other sci-fi films? Did it draw inspiration from other films in the genre?
A lot of classic sci-fi are about what it is to be human. Creep Box, on the other hand, is about what it is to understand human emotion. It’s a subtle but significant difference. As for influences, most of these are pretty obvious but Ghost in the Shell, Primer, THX-1138, and The Fly (86) are films I generally look to for inspiration.
If someone were to recommend Creep Box to a science fiction film club, what key aspects would you want them to highlight? Why do you think this film would resonate well with that audience?
It’s meditative. It’s methodical. It’s a science fiction film but with the real weight of human emotion portrayed. Sometimes I think contemporary sci-fi films can get caught up in their concept or “cool” factor. Creep Box doesn’t. The technology of the film may be sci-fi (as of now anyway) but once that’s been established, the story that unfolds is a very human one, and a very emotional experience.
How could Creep Box be used in settings like classrooms or libraries? What specific discussion points or questions do you hope people will explore after watching the film?
Ethics. All the way. We’re at a point in human history where technology is becoming unbound with little oversight. And as consumers, it’s making the rich richer, and us… frankly it’s turning us into f**king zombies. And that leaves a lot of questions to be answered. Is it healthy to use technology to cope with the loss of a loved one? Is it fair to speak with the deceased for legal gains? Is it at all ethical to create a simulation based on someone that no longer has the ability to speak for themselves?
Finally, what do you hope viewers walk away with after watching Creep Box, especially regarding our overreliance on technology?
I don’t want to sound like a modern-day luddite, but are we any better off with the technology we have in our hands now? I honestly don’t know. But I hope viewers will at least think about it.