Speak No Evil (2022) Review – A Brutal and Divisive Masterclass in Discomfort
Speak No Evil: Quick Verdict
The Verdict: A relentlessly clinical and devastating psychological thriller that weaponises the mundane awkwardness of social etiquette. Christian Tafdrup ratchets up the tension through a series of increasingly uncomfortable concessions, culminating in a final act of staggering, gut-wrenching brutality. While the protagonists’ “lethal politeness” requires some suspension of disbelief, the exceptional performances, particularly from Fedja van Huêt, keep the nightmare grounded. This 3.5 star effort is a cold subversion of Hollywood tropes, designed to haunt and frustrate the viewer in equal measure. Though not “scary” in a traditional sense, the sense of dread it cultivates is far more lingering than any jump scare. Be warned: the climax is profoundly bleak and intentionally divisive, making it a masterclass in social discomfort that will leave you feeling empty and angry. Few modern horrors are as masterfully acted or as daringly “feel-bad” as this unique Danish masterpiece.
Details: Director: Christian Tafdrup | Cast: Morten Burian, Sidsel Siem Koch, Fedja van Huêt, Karina Smulders | Runtime: 1h 37m | Release Date: 2022
Best for: Fans of mean-spirited psychological horror, European “feel-bad” cinema, and biting social satire.
Worth noting: The script was partially inspired by director Christian Tafdrup’s own awkward experiences meeting a couple while on holiday in Tuscany.
Where to Watch: Shudder, Amazon🛒
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
(A masterfully acted and deeply unsettling horror that uses social etiquette as a weapon, leading to a climax that is as unforgettable as it is devastating.)
Welcome to Knockout Horror. Today we are taking a look at Danish psychological horror movie Speak No Evil. (Updating this review in 2024, I just reviewed the English language remake of Speak No Evil so go check that out if you are interested).
Table of Contents
A stark social commentary
Following the story of a Danish family, Bjørn (Morten Burian), Louise (Sidsel Siem Koch) and their daughter, meeting a family from the Netherlands, Patrick (Fedja van Huêt), Karin (Karina Smulders) and their son, while on holiday. Speak No Evil sees our couple, in a trait that is, apparently, typical of Danish people, being too polite to refuse a trip to the other couple’s home in the Netherlands. Though reluctant, they make the journey, completely unaware of what a horrible situation they are getting themselves into.
“Speak No Evil’s story is based on the idea that Danish people are too polite to say no and will put themselves through very uncomfortable situations to avoid upsetting someone.”
Speak No Evil‘s story is based on the idea that Danish people are too polite to say no and will put themselves through very uncomfortable situations to avoid upsetting someone. The Danish couple here simply don’t want to socialise with the Dutch couple. They have their own issues to contend with and have no interest in breaking away from their sanitised and familiar routine.
Still, they go against their own wishes and make the trip. This will be one of many concessions they make in an attempt to placate their hosts, leading them deeper and deeper into discomfort and deeper into trouble.
Obviously it is taken to something of an extreme, here, but that is the general outline of the story. This constant desire to please forms the basis of the commentary at play in Speak No Evil. It’s right there in the name. It is also represented, in a metaphorical sense, by what happens to certain characters.
There is a message here, albeit an unsatisfying one and that message is illustrated by the actions of the antagonists and the reactions of the protagonists. It is stark, deliberately designed to frustrate and brutal in its implications. Which leads me neatly on to my next point.
It’s absolutely brutal but not for awhile…
Speak No Evil is brutal. Absolutely brutal, there is no other way to put it. It lulls you in with a fairly innocuous and non-threatening first half before suddenly taking a dramatic turn into unspeakable horror. This horror is made all the more impactful by just how real it feels. This movie is designed to shock and annoy, there is no other way to put it. The final thirty minutes of the movie are, for lack of a better word, devastating and they are one of the main reasons this movie is so damn divisive.
“The final thirty minutes of Speak No Evil transform the film. Secrets are uncovered and the actions that follow are devastating; there are few scenes in horror as gut wrenching.”
The last thirty minutes of Speak No Evil transform the film. The awkward tension that existed between the couples manifests into something far more sinister. Secrets are uncovered and the actions that follow are devastating; there are few scenes in horror as gut wrenching as those presented here. As the credits roll, you will likely feel one of two things: misery at what you just saw or abject disappointment.
Plenty of people are going to feel completely unsatisfied at the events of Speak No Evil. This isn’t Hollywood and the movie isn’t crafted to please the viewer. It is crafted to shock and remind you of how the world really is. It’s also designed to laugh at some of the more ridiculous tropes in horror, particularly the Hollywood happy ending. With this in mind, it is likely to leave viewers feeling empty.
Not particularly scary but very uncomfortable
As far as horror movies go, Speak No Evil isn’t what I would describe as scary and it is more awkward than tense. The couples gradually realise that they have significantly different lives, their personalities begin to clash and the tension mounts. Many of the movie’s scenes are quite difficult to watch for that reason. One, in particular, featuring the children dancing is particularly uncomfortable.
The tension mounts towards the end and, as we reach the movie’s climax, the atmosphere changes. The awkwardness is replaced by a real sense of danger and dread. The final thirty minutes are effective horror but in a more considered way. The slow build pays off with an interesting and powerful final third that is both unsettling and uncomfortable.
“It is well acted, tense in parts, comedic in others and utterly brutal. There is an effective horror here that feels very different to anything released in the past few years.”
Acting is fantastic throughout. Fedja van Huêt, as Patrick, and Karina Smulders, as Karin, are both excellent. Morten Burian, as Bjørn, does a brilliant job with quite a nuanced role. He manages to convey Bjørn’s sense of bottled up rage perfectly. Similar praise goes to Sidsel Siem Koch as Louise. While not as nuanced a character as Bjørn, she does a really good job. Her performance in the final scenes is particularly powerful. Cinematography is fine. It’s rarely outstanding and has a tendency to be rather dreary and dark and the flat landscape leaves much to be desired. Overall, however, it does the job.
Definitely not for everyone
As far as criticisms go, it really depends on the type of horror you enjoy. Speak No Evil is definitely not for everyone. Directing is fantastic but this is a slow paced movie. It has a runtime of 97 minutes; looking back, it feels much longer than that. There’s a lot of deliberately awkward interactions that might put some people off. It’s hard not to point out some of the ridiculous plot holes. Certain things make absolutely no sense and are so ridiculous they will have you question entire parts of the film. The concept is stretched just a bit too far when it comes to characters wanting to be polite.
The ending has similar issues. Some viewers will find it ridiculous and unbelievable. Many will completely disregard it and that is understandable. Aside from it not being your typical Hollywood horror ending, things take place that will have you questioning the likelihood. Again, the ending plays on the earlier themes of passiveness but I think it takes it and stretches it beyond reasonable levels. Some people are going to hate it.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
The Good
- Incredible Acting: The entire cast delivers nuanced, naturalistic performances. Every interaction feels terrifyingly plausible. Fedja van Huêt is a particular standout as the increasingly menacing Patrick.
- Expert Pacing: Christian Tafdrup handles the transition from awkwardness to terror with surgical precision. The tension builds slowly but never loses its grip. By the final act, the dread is almost suffocating.
- Bold Social Satire: This film offers a unique and biting perspective on conflict avoidance. It ruthlessly deconstructs the sanitisation of modern life. The themes remain relevant long after the credits roll.
The Bad
- Frustrating Logic: The protagonists’ passiveness is stretched to extreme lengths. Some viewers will find their lack of self-preservation unbelievable. It requires a significant amount of suspension of disbelief.
- Grim Tone: This movie is aggressively “feel-bad” and offers zero catharsis. Its uncompromising cruelty will naturally alienate a large portion of the audience. There is no relief to be found here.
- Plot Contrivances: A few specific beats require the characters to be remarkably unobservant. These moments feel slightly forced to keep the narrative moving. The suspension of logic can be jarring at times.
The Ugly: The “Why?” Confrontation. One of the most chilling lines in modern horror provides an answer that is as simple as it is profoundly disturbing. It perfectly encapsulates the film’s nihilistic heart.
Should You Watch Speak No Evil?
Yes, if you have a strong stomach for psychological cruelty. It is a 3.5 star film that is essential for horror fans who value originality and thematic depth. This original version is a far more clinical and colder experience than the remake, prioritising a bleak philosophical point over audience satisfaction. It is a difficult watch, but a rewarding one for those who can handle the misery.
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