Today, let’s talk about Speak No Evil, the remake of the 2022 original Danish psychological horror film directed by Christian Tafdrup and co-written by his brother Mads. The film is undoubtedly brilliant and unnerving, one of the best in its genre.
Now, the remake has been released. From writer-director James Watkins (Eden Lake, The Woman in Black) comes a new version that comes complete with everything the original did so well.
First, casting James McAvoy as the psychopath Paddy was a stellar choice. The combination of the character’s suaveness and brutality makes McAvoy ideal. He was made for this role. With McAvoy leading the way, I saw a new level of intensity. Aisling Franciosi plays Paddy’s wife, whom we don’t know very well. Scoot McNairy stars as Ben, who is insecure and a people-pleaser, which gets them in trouble in the first place. Mackenzie Davis leads the emotional aspect of the terrible situation as Louise. The young stars should be recognized for their performances, especially Dan Hough, who stars as Ant. He has to walk his character through the trauma and the violence, all without speaking a word and does so well. A lot of adult actors couldn’t pull that off.
Warning Spoilers
The American couple’s near-downfall is that they are so easy to manipulate. Patty takes advantage of this. He tests them repeatedly, pushing them closer and closer to the pivotal moment when he’s ready for the kill. They could have fled the situation so many times but didn’t.
I’ve seen the original (multiple times), and the new movie is just as good. There are many similarities between the two films, and there were enough new bits to keep me hooked. Of course, there is one massive difference between the two films: the ending. While the original ended in heartbreak and my jaw on the floor, the new movie ends differently. It was an interesting choice, but it is so fitting.
Both the original and the 2024 remake deserve their place in the sun. Usually, I’m against reboots, remakes, reimaginings, etc… but this time, I was left impressed. You know what else left me impressed? The special features. It’s always interesting to hear the director and cast’s perspectives, what inspired them, and the locations where the film was made.
The film’s gradual buildup of tension and unease doesn’t feel rushed or forced. Between the insane storyline, the brilliant cast, the crazy tension, and the perfectly timed execution, it’s a masterpiece.
Speak No Evil is a fantastic, chilling film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Own your copy of the most chilling film of the year, Speak No Evil, now on Blu-ray and DVD.
