Beyond all prognosis, this remake of the Danish source material went beyond this critic’s initial skepticism, especially after being deeply affected by the twisted and unsettling original film that left me emotionally drained. Also, with the original film being predominantly in English, the rationale behind remaking it and stealing its spotlight was debatable. Despite these reservations, the new iteration succeeds in doing everything a remake should do and will undoubtedly motivate those unfamiliar with the original to seek it out.
Blumhouse‘s selection of James Watkins as the director for this project in this specific sub-genre was spot-on, as he adeptly reimagines the story for the screen. Speak No Evil follows the American Expat family, the Daltons – Louise (Mackenzie Davis, Terminator: Dark Fate, The Turning), Ben (Scoot McNairy – A Quiet Place Part II, Nightbitch), and their apprehensive 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix Lefler – The Good Nurse) – as they vacation in the idyllic Italian countryside. While there, they strike up a friendship with a British family – Paddy (James McAvoy – Split, It: Chapter Two), his wife Ciara (Aisling Fanciosi – The Last Voyage of the Demeter, Stopmotion) and their son Ant (Dan Hough) – who immediately make a great impression on them. After getting along well over the course of the vacation, the Brits kindly invite the Daltons to spend a weekend at their idyllic home in a country estate. Despite initial reservations given they hardly know the Brits, they accept the offer and make their way to the idyllic setting. However, what starts out as a pleasant retreat soon descends into a nightmarish spiral as the Daltons find themselves increasingly at the mercy of their seemingly unscrupulous hosts.
At its core, much like its Danish source material, this film delves deep into the unsettling discomfort that arises when a family ventures out of their familiar environment and into an unfamiliar cultural setting. Rather than relying on graphic violence or a clear antagonist, cultivates a pervasive sense of unease through the interactions between the Dalton family and their enigmatic hosts. The audience is left continually questioning whether they are witnessing genuine cultural misunderstandings or something far more sinister simmering beneath the surface. This manifests in a series of non-verbal cues charged with implicit meanings, interludes of deadly uncomfortable silence, and jovial yet sinister exchanges that keep the audience on edge, never quite sure where any given situation is heading. All of the above showcases how the sublime ensemble cast fully immerses themselves in the mental, physical and emotional depths of their complex, deeply flawed characters, delivering nuanced performances that amplify the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
McAvoy’s portrayal of the lead character in this film is particularly impressive. He strategically chose not to watch the original Danish version until he had developed his own unique approach, allowing his creative instincts to guide him without influence from the previous actor’s take. This deft decision enabled him to create a fresh, compelling character, seamlessly conveying a veneer of normalcy while hinting at the roiling turmoil and violent tendencies.
The film adeptly mirrors the original’s clever plotting and narrative structure, consistently keeping the audience guessing and subtly subverting their expectations. Even those familiar with the source material will be surprised by the twists, culminating in a less bleak yet just as impactful conclusion that maintains the story’s emotional weight, offering a harrowing exploration of the lengths ordinary people will go when confronted with unimaginable horror.
The remake complements the original and, in some ways, surpasses it, especially in pacing. It offers a compelling and unsettling exploration of human nature’s darker aspects, playing on universal fears of cruelty and misplaced trust. It delves into the hidden dangers of seemingly inviting social interactions, ensuring the audience reacts to each revelation alongside the characters, heightening the film’s impact and genuine sense of unease.
Emerging as a thought-provoking and conversation-starting horror thriller, the remake uses the existing narrative as a springboard to become something distinctly different yet no less worthy of attention – a powerfully unnerving psychological shocker that burrows deep into the psyche. Although it may not leave as lasting an impression as the original, this remake stands among the best; quite the achievement given this reviewer’s rock-bottom expectations.
VERDICT:
Speak No Evil releases in theaters exclusively on September 13, 2024.
