Speak No Evil (2024) Review – A Rare Remake That Actually Improves Upon The Original
Speak No Evil: Quick Verdict
The Verdict: A rare remake that justifies its existence by refining the logic of the original while maintaining a suffocating sense of dread. James Watkins successfully pivots the story from a bleak social commentary on politeness into a high-tension survival horror that feels more grounded and believable. While it trades some of the Danish version’s nihilism for a more traditional Hollywood climax, the trade-off works thanks to a more likeable core cast and a truly terrifying, career-best turn from James McAvoy. It is polished, expertly paced, and one of the most effective mainstream horror entries of the year. A 4-star triumph that manages to stand tall on its own merits.
Details: Director: James Watkins | Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi | Runtime: 1h 50m | Release Date: 2024
Best for: Fans of the original who hated the ending, lovers of tense home-invasion style thrillers, and anyone who wants to see James McAvoy at his most menacing.
Worth noting: James Watkins previously directed the harrowing British classic Eden Lake, which shares similar themes of a holiday gone wrong.
Where to Watch: Amazon🛒
Rating: 4/5 Stars
(Incredible acting, improved ending, relentless tension)
Welcome to Knockout Horror. We are reviewing another recent movie for day 9 of our 31 Days of Halloween 2024 feature. James Watkins’ remake of 2022 Danish horror movie Speak No Evil.
Table of Contents
This movie proved quite controversial
The story follows a family of Americans, father Ben (Scoot McNairy), mother Louise (Mackenzie Davis), and their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), currently living in London, England, meeting another family, father Paddy (James McAvoy), mother Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and son Ant (Dan Hough), while on holiday in Italy.
The two families hit it off and, upon their return, Ben and Louise receive a postcard inviting them to stay at the other family’s farm in the West Country. Taking them up on the offer, it may just turn out to be a decision they entirely regret.
Naturally, this movie has caused a bit of a stir. People, in general, loathe movie remakes. You would assume that all copies of the original movie disintegrate the second the remake releases. Obviously, that isn’t the case and both movies are allowed to stand up in their own right. Whether you prefer the original or not is irrelevant. They are different movies and can each be enjoyed on their own merit.
Fans of the original didn’t need to worry
I’m here to say however, that in the case of 2024’s Speak No Evil, there is no need to fear. This is a tremendously good horror movie. In fact, this movie might have even surpassed the original Danish version which we gave a very good score to last year.
“This movie might have even surpassed the original Danish version which we gave a very good score to last year.”
A lot of the things that many hated about the original movie are completely changed here, including the very controversial and divisive ending that left so many to dislike the film and harshly criticise it. It’s been replaced with a very Hollywood ending with more action and more positivity that actually fits a lot better.
I would go as far as to say that anyone who enjoyed the original film but hated the ending is going to enjoy this version so much more. Aside from that hot button issue, Speak No Evil is just a bloody good film. It is fantastically paced, tense, deep, and genuinely funny in parts.
Stays true to the original’s formula
Speak no Evil retains much of what made the original great while building on the positives with more wit and a bit more nuance. The first half of the movie acts as, pretty much, a shot-for-shot remake with even the locations being almost identical. The second half is where things begin to separate and Watkins (Eden Lake) carves a new identity for the movie.
The original version of Speak No Evil was based around the idea that Danish people are simply unable to say no. A trait which can land them into situations where they are uncomfortable. This point was emphasised by the Danish couple compromising repeatedly to avoid upsetting their hosts, ultimately to a point of ridiculousness.
Watkins’ version of Speak No Evil plays on this idea but in a much more subtle and believable way. There are far fewer concessions made by the visiting couple and the characters are more willing to speak their mind. This makes the characters of Paddy and Ciara seem a lot more devious. They have to work to manipulate a couple who are far less willing to simply go along with everything.
“Watkins’ version of Speak No Evil plays on this idea but in a much more subtle and believable way.”
I think it is fair to imagine that some will feel as though this version lacks some of what made the original great. The point of the movie hasn’t so much been lost as it has been changed. Watkins’ Speak No Evil would best be viewed as a simple horror movie. It’s less of a social commentary on the politeness of certain groups of people. When viewed through this lens, it is easier to enjoy it as a separate, individual story and appreciate it on its own merits.
Fantastic acting and cinematography
Cinematography and direction are excellent. There’s some fantastic images throughout. The glorious sunshine contrasts brilliantly with the dark nature of the plot. Some of the more interesting shots place the viewer as a spy watching through windows and are a ton of fun. Watkins increases tension by afforded you the opportunity to act as a voyeur to the events taking place. Albeit a very tense one.
Pacing is excellent; I never felt as though the movie was lagging and much of it absolutely flies by. The revised ending is intense and high energy. Completely different from the original and sure to divide opinion. It works well as far as Hollywood endings go.
Acting is fantastic, throughout. Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy portray a stronger and more likeable couple than in the original. Both have some great comedic timing that adds to a few moments of subtle humour. Aisling Franciosi, of Stopmotion fame, is fantastic, as always; even managing a fairly convincing Northern English accent.
“It’s James McAvoy who steals the show, though. What a fantastic performance. He has always been an actor worth getting excited about, but this is him at his best.”
It’s James McAvoy who steals the show, though. What a fantastic performance. He has always been an actor worth getting excited about, but this is him at his best. It’s a sinister, manipulating, dark, and, often, hilarious performance that makes the movie infinitely better. I would say his performance is worth the cost of admission alone. It helps a great deal that the movie is plenty watchable in its own right.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
The Good
- James McAvoy: An absolute powerhouse performance that is worth the cost of admission alone. He is both terrifying and hilariously charismatic.
- The Ending: By shifting to a more action-oriented climax, Watkins fixes the logic issues that frustrated many viewers of the original movie.
- Subtlety: The manipulation of the visiting family feels more nuanced and believable, making the eventual descent into horror more effective.
The Bad
- Familiarity: If you have seen the original, the first half of the film can feel a little too close to a shot-for-shot remake.
- Social Commentary: Some may feel the loss of the original’s specific critique of Danish cultural politeness softens the movie’s edge.
The Ugly: The sheer awkwardness of the dinner scenes. Even before the violence starts, the social discomfort is enough to make your skin crawl.
Should You Watch Speak No Evil?
You should absolutely watch it. Even if you are a purist for the original, McAvoy’s performance and the improved pacing make this a standout horror film in its own right. It is a rare remake that actually feels like it has something new and worthwhile to say.
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