Speak No Evil (2024), directed by James Watkins, is a haunting psychological horror film that will leave audiences unnerved long after the credits roll. This chilling remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name delves into the horrors of human cruelty and the terrifying lengths people will go to maintain appearances. Watkins amps up the tension with unnervingly quiet moments that explode into raw, visceral horror, making this film more than just another horror flick—it’s a gut-wrenching journey into human nature's darkest corners.
The story follows Bjørn and Louise, a seemingly ordinary couple from Denmark, who are invited by a Dutch couple they met on holiday to visit their remote country house. Their young daughter Agnes comes along, and what begins as a pleasant family visit soon takes a dark, nightmarish turn. Tensions build as subtle but disturbing behaviors emerge, gradually revealing that their hosts, Patrick and Karin, harbor sinister intentions.
The film’s brilliance lies in its slow, agonizing buildup of unease. The warning signs are there from the beginning—awkward interactions, small but unsettling comments, and unnerving behaviors. However, Bjørn and Louise's polite and conflict-averse nature allows them to stay, as they try to ignore their growing discomfort. This denial drives the tension through the roof, creating an atmosphere of helplessness.
The performances are nothing short of exceptional. Morten Burian, playing Bjørn, embodies the frustration and confusion of a man trapped in his own inability to act. Sidsel Siem Koch as Louise gives an emotionally gripping performance as a mother torn between her protective instincts and her desire to keep peace. Fedja van Huêt and Karina Smulders, as the unnerving Dutch couple, are chillingly composed and methodical in their manipulation, delivering some of the film's most terrifying moments with understated menace.
Cinematographer Gregg Wilson masterfully captures the vast isolation of the Dutch countryside, juxtaposing the beauty of the natural surroundings with the horrors unfolding within the house. The film’s muted color palette adds to the sense of suffocating dread, and Watkins makes brilliant use of silence. The lack of a traditional horror score only amplifies the tension, leaving audiences squirming in their seats, anticipating the horrors that inevitably come.
Speak No Evil plays on themes of politeness, power dynamics, and social etiquette—how far people will go to avoid confrontation, even when their lives are at stake. It’s a disturbing commentary on human passivity and the dangers of ignoring red flags. As the film reaches its brutal and shocking climax, viewers are forced to confront the consequences of inaction in the face of evil.
While the film may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced horror experience, its slow burn and psychological torment will resonate deeply with fans of more cerebral, emotionally taxing horror. The final act is unflinchingly brutal, delivering an unforgettable punch that lingers long after the screen goes dark.
Speak No Evil is not for the faint of heart. It’s a disturbing, meticulously crafted horror film that examines human fragility and societal norms in the most terrifying way possible. With stellar performances, unnerving direction, and a thought-provoking narrative, it's a film that will crawl under your skin and refuse to leave. If you’re looking for a horror movie that goes beyond jump scares and delves into the psychological horrors of real-world human interaction, Speak No Evil is an unforgettable experience.
Speak No Evil (2024) - info
- Release date: September 13, 2024 (USA)
- Genre: Horror, Drama
- Director: James Watkins
- Writer: James Watkins, Christian Tafdrup, Mads Tafdrup
- Stars: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough, and Scoot McNairy.