Speak No Evil” is a remake, but while the similarities are apparent and many, I will not say the current adaptation is faithful to the original. The 2022 “Speak No Evil” released two years ago and this version is really a completely different film wearing another’s skin.
The two movies differ mostly in tone and in the endings. I have to warn anyone who enjoyed the original Danish version, the new rendition will not meet your expectations. Directed by James Watkins, the 2024 release is most definitely Americanized. Much of the nordic personality and cultural tones are veneered with a thick waspy vibe. I’m sure this was done to make the film more palatable for American audiences. I did enjoy this film, but I can’t ignore these changes.
The basic storyline both movies share starts when we meet the Americans now living in Europe. A weak permissive father, Ben Dalton played by Scoot McNairy, the granola mom, Louise Dalton played by Mackenzie Davis, and the anxiety-ridden and likely somewhat spoiled child, Agnes Dalton played by Alix West Lefler.
They’re vacationing in Italy, and it’s one of those family vacations where everyone is “enjoying” themselves, but no one is having a lot of fun. That is until, they meet another seemingly happy and friendly family composed of the brash and funny dad, Paddy played by James McAvoy, the coy mother Ciara played by Aisling Franciosi, and the troubled and quiet son, Ant played by Dan Hough. After some pleasant dinners, our main characters are invited by their new friends to come and visit their home. Culturally speaking, this is where the two films blur the lines in similarity if you squint your eyes.
The 2022 film is Danish and (according to some quick research, and a few friends) in Nordic culture, it is rare to trust and converse freely with strangers. Not unheard of, but not as commonplace as here in the United States. For Americans, it’s not hard to believe the Daltons would casually befriend this family. For the original Danish audiences, this is already unsettling, but all can rightfully agree and collectively shake their heads in disdain when the Daltons accept the invite and venture into the country.
The milquetoast Daltons are treated to a nice holiday in the west of England at a picturesque farm far removed from the hustle and bustle of London. Far removed from everything … even neighbors or cell phone coverage. It’s all a bit odd. Ant’s mannerisms are unsettling and as the story progresses Paddy and Ciara are increasingly more abusive and manipulative. The Daltons miss or ignore obvious red flags and fail to leave on more than one occasion, when even the most humble and passive of guests would likely have fled.
Until this point the two films are mostly the same and I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say it’s here where they become completely separate movies. Although saying they’re mostly the same is still a little disingenuous. I said at the start, all the similarities are superficial. The 2022 original was a bleak psychological horror film with a dark ending that left you with a bitter aftertaste. In my opinion the original ending was as bitter as that of “The Mist” in 2007. If you haven’t experienced that final scene, I’ll just say it’s brutally hapless.
All of the original film is uneasy and unnerving, especially when considering the cultural context. That is not the tone of the current film. So many times, I was taken aback while watching the movie as I heard many in the theater burst out in laughter. The laughter wasn’t caused by film-making. It was in response to the Daltons on screen. This was a choice by the director. The 2024 movie is less bleak and psychological and more absurd horror. Less “Funny Games” and more “You’re Next.” Horror with a smile, I guess.
It’s really its own movie that was made to appeal to a wider audience and that is okay. The acting is superb. If you’re put off by the wilting Dalton dad, stay for McAvoy’s portrayal of Paddy. It is thrilling and enjoyable. Davis, as the mom, will vex many American sensibilities, but in the end, she makes good. Is the movie groundbreaking? No. Does it enhance or add to the original? No. Can it be enjoyed? Absolutely. A watchable 7/10.
