“Speak No Evil” is an intriguing horror film directed by James Watkins, featuring a talented cast including James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, and Aisling Franciosi. This film is a remake of the Danish movie “Speak No Evil,” which garnered significant attention a few years ago. Blumhouse, renowned for its expertise in producing remakes, has brought us “Speak No Evil.” While it retains the essence of the original, it elevates the production quality and introduces numerous changes that make it a distinct entity, though both films are commendable for their respective virtues.
The film “Speak No Evil” begins with an ambitious premise: to strip away the narrative chaos that characterized the original—its most significant virtue—and infuse the story with a Hollywood flair while maintaining its core of extreme cruelty and brutality. How can one alter the essence of a script while essentially narrating the same story? The answer lies in the execution.
Plot Overview
The story unfolds during a vacation in Italy, where two married couples meet and form a bond over shared interests. Each couple has a child, and the major difference is that one couple is American, while the other is British. This cultural disparity sets the stage for underlying tension. What starts as minor “friction” escalates dramatically when the American couple discovers a shocking secret about their British counterparts.
About the Film
Although “Speak No Evil” appears similar to its predecessor, it introduces several variations. Without delving into spoilers, the original featured a Danish couple and a Dutch couple, while the remake juxtaposes British and American couples. The pacing and narrative style also diverge significantly between the two films. “Speak No Evil” leans more towards a dark horror thriller, whereas the Danish film embraced a more brutal horror approach. The remake tempers the more violent elements, favoring a subtler production that aligns better with mainstream audience sensibilities, who might find the original’s cold and gritty approach too excessive.
Does the film suffer by omitting the most original aspects of its predecessor? “Speak No Evil” charts its own course, offering a fresh perspective: transforming a family drama into a horror narrative that captivates the audience without crossing the line into excess, as the Danish film did. The film skillfully builds suspense from mundane situations, gradually revealing its darker elements. However, it falls short of showcasing the brutal and paranoid intensity that the Danish production achieved.
“Speak No Evil” succeeds in softening a harsh story, steering it towards the realm of horror cinema, and ultimately reminding viewers that it is a genre film designed for entertainment, without aspiring to transcend its category. Both films present valid yet contrasting visions with different objectives.
Our Opinion
“Speak No Evil” is a film that, while seemingly similar with a different façade, offers a unique take on the same narrative. The true distinction between the two films is unveiled only at the climax. This version stands as a testament to how a story can be retold with different nuances and still maintain its core appeal. While it may not match the brutal intensity of the original, it compensates with a more polished production and a broader appeal, making it a noteworthy addition to the horror genre.
