In the realm of horror films, there’s a new subgenre emerging – cringe horror. Enter the original Speak No Evil, a Danish thriller that made waves in 2022 for its uncomfortable and suspenseful storyline. This chilling movie, reminiscent of Jaws’ impact on beachgoers, was written and directed by Christian Tafdrup, exploring the boundaries of social discomfort in a uniquely unsettling way.
Fast forward to the present day, and we have an American studio remake of this Danish hit. With a new writer and director, James Watkins, at the helm, the essence of Tafdrup’s original vision remains intact. The film follows a similar storyline with some tweaks to characters and settings, maintaining the tension and unease that made the first version so compelling.
In this remake, the action unfolds with an American family visiting the English countryside and encountering a couple who push boundaries and test social norms. The dynamics between the characters create a sense of escalating discomfort, mirroring the original’s exploration of social faux pas and hidden tensions.
The casting choices for Speak No Evil are spot-on, with McAvoy delivering a captivating performance as the complex and intriguing Paddy. Franciosi adds a chilling depth to her character, while Davis and McNairy realistically portray a couple grappling with personal issues amidst the escalating drama.
As the story builds towards its climax, the American remake of Speak No Evil takes a different direction from the original, introducing a more conventional and action-packed finale. While the intensity and mayhem ramp up, some viewers may find the resolution lacking the original’s thought-provoking impact.
Ultimately, this new version of Speak No Evil falls into a familiar pattern of Hollywood remakes toning down the raw intensity of European originals. While the premise is carried over successfully, the true essence and power of the original may have been lost in translation, leaving audiences craving the uncompromising and unsettling experience of the Danish original.