True horror is this creepy, as it doesn't necessarily involve obvious stabs and blood but seeing and exploring the perpetrator's means and motives. This episode is similar in style to the modern film, 'Get Out!' and the classic 'Seconds,' which starred the late Rock Hudson. Observing the drive and aim of a criminal mind is truly more disturbing than watching obvious slasher type movies.
This episode is pretty unique, bizarre yet oddly sad all at the same time. Many will find it unsettling, but when you look at what drives the criminal you will understand why they do it. To up the ante, not explaining the route cause of a criminal's activity can add to the thriller aspect. However, this episode of Criminal Minds sits alongside films Get Out! - Midsommar - Seconds - the original Whicker Man, and similar films. It's the absence of obvious horror trickery that makes good horror, for true horror is more of a thriller.