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).
Euro Horror
This actually represents our first European horror movie review of 2023. I am a big fan of European horror in general; it tends to have a different vibe from a lot of English language stuff. The seeming awareness that it will struggle to compete in a landscape dominated by English language movies means they take chances many other movies won’t.
That does lead to something of a strange reaction from certain viewers, though. Many European horror movies are given glowing reviews even if they are average. There is a certain bias towards foreign horror as a whole. A lot of bad horror from non-English speaking parts of the world have received undue praise. I am happy to report that this isn’t the case with Christian Tafdrup’s Speak No Evil.
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.
A Social Commentary
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.
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.
A Visceral and Impactful Ending
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.
There aren’t any particularly satisfying answers here and there isn’t any reward for the viewer enduring these protracted and awkward interactions. For veteran horror fans keen to see something different, the ending here will likely tick that box. Not every horror movie should answer every question. Not every horror should make you feel good. This is just a different way of doing things. It represents the ideal end to the story being told here. As brutal, frustrating and unsatisfying as that is.
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.
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.
Should You Watch Speak No Evil?
I think horror fans should definitely watch Speak No Evil. It is well acted, tense in parts, comedic in others and utterly brutal. Some are going to hate it. The awkwardness won’t land for some, many won’t relate to the central theme of polite passiveness and the ending is sure to divide. Its slow place and plot holes can also make the movie a bit of a challenge, as well. Still, there is an effective horror here that feels very different to anything released in the past few years. I really enjoyed it. For fans who enjoy the concept but wish for a more Hollywood end, the English language remake may be a better option.
