Review: Speak No Evil
An American Remake Of A Recent Horror Hit
INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Speak No Evil. Keep in mind this is but one of the many movies I watch every year, and that whatever initial grade I come up for this film could change for better or worse with time. To better keep up to date with both my thoughts on other movies and if my feelings on this film changed, follow me on Letterboxd.
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THE PLOT
Via Letterboxd: When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.
QUICK REVIEW
It’s that time of year when some Halloween enthusiasts start getting into the spooky spirit early. Don’t get me wrong, Halloween is my personal favorite holiday, but kicking off the season around Labor Day feels a bit over-the-top. That said, in a few short weeks, I’ll be fully immersed in Halloween, and before long, we’ll all be knee-deep in it.
Just last week, after the delight that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice delivered (which I considered a damn near-perfect Halloween movie), and just in time with people getting into the spirit of the season for the macabre, we're now treated to a brand new horror film. Well... sorta’.
Speak No Evil is an American remake of a Danish film that was originally released just two years ago. The Danish version quickly gained a cult following, and in some circles, it's already considered a contemporary horror classic. However, I must confess, despite seeing it frequently logged by several follows over on Letterboxd, I never actually got around to watching the original.
In a way, though, I feel like I have. I came across mention of the film in a video essay about social anxiety in horror. The essay ended up spoiling the entire plot, and with the American remake just around the corner, I already knew how it all played out.
So while I can’t offer a direct comparison to the original, I’m familiar with the story beats and how it all comes to a head during its climax. And, to be honest (no spoilers), knowing how the original concludes made me a bit anxious about watching this remake. Let’s just say, It's not the kind of horror ending I typically enjoy.
That said, the trailer for this film was seemingly everywhere. It played before almost every movie I saw in theaters, as if the universe was telling me I HAD to watch it. So how did it hold up? Is it worth the time for horror fans? Is it perfect for those starting their Halloween season early? And does it matter if you’ve seen the original?
If you're looking for an early Halloween film, I wouldn't necessarily recommend Speak No Evil for that purpose. Yes, it's a horror movie, but much like the original Danish version, it’s more of a slow-burn, socially charged thriller that gradually builds tension before erupting into a brutal climax. It doesn’t exactly scream "Halloween vibes."
For those unfamiliar with the original, rest assured, you don’t need to see it to appreciate this version. It stands on its own.
However, if you have seen the Danish film, you’ll find that the remake sticks closely to the same story beats. The most significant difference lies in how the climax plays out. Without giving too much away, the American remake delivers a more "Hollywood" ending compared to the original’s more daring conclusion.
As with the 2022 Danish film, this version explores themes of social anxiety, awkwardness, and the pressures of politeness taken to disturbing extremes. What happens when you're too polite? When you avoid confrontation at all costs? When you ignore glaring red flags because you can't face the uncomfortable reality?
On paper, these themes are intriguing, and for the most part, they work well here. The movie doesn’t rely on traditional jump scares; instead, it builds an overwhelming sense of dread as situations become increasingly uncomfortable. That said, the film does start to feel repetitive at a certain point. I’d say around the 60-70 minute mark of its rutime, I found myself thinking, "Just get to the big reveal already."
When the story finally reaches its boiling point, the Americanized finale may split audiences. Some fans of the original might find it less bold, and some who were frustrated with the original’s conclusion might like the split from the source material. Personally, I appreciated it. It’s more in line with the type of horror ending I enjoy.
As for the performances, James McAvoy is, unsurprisingly, the standout. He’s a chameleon in antagonist roles, and here, he walks a fine line between charming and menacing. His portrayal of a character who feels like a ticking time bomb all while he charms his guests is skin-crawling but in an effective way; and he brings a level of intensity that arguably elevates the film beyond its script’s weak links.
Overall, I found this version of Speak No Evil to be an uncomfortable watch - but that’s exactly what it sets out to be. The film culminates in a horror-centric finale that will likely divide audiences, especially those familiar with the original. For me, it earns a solid B. Not a B-, not a B+, just a B. It’s an intriguing, if different, approach to horror.
INITIAL GRADING
