There is no shortage of remakes in the world of cinema. While it is often debated whether such things are necessary—given that movies have an inherent permanence about them—Hollywood continues to pump them out. The general consensus seems to be that a remake only becomes essential if it can stand on its own. Can it justify its existence? Often, when the original film is in a language other than English, that has been the justification for Americanizing it, as for a long time, American audiences were averse to subtitles. However, that concept seems to have shifted over the years. Nevertheless, Speak No Evil, originally a Danish film made in 2022 by director Christian Tafdrup, now has an American counterpart by director James Watkins. This particular remake completely justifies its existence and stands as a total success.
The film follows American couple Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben Dalton (Scoot McNairy), along with their 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), as they accept an invitation to spend a weekend at the countryside estate of a British family they befriended on a previous vacation. The estate’s owner, Paddy (James McAvoy), seems kind and generous as a host, but as the weekend progresses, the Daltons begin to sense something sinister lurking beneath the surface. Paddy’s wife, Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their son, Ant (Dan Hough), add to the family’s unease, as what began as an idyllic getaway spirals into a nightmare.
Watkins, best known for his work on Eden Lake and The Woman in Black, presents a clear perspective in his version of the story. While in many ways the skeleton of the plot is the same, there are distinct differences in tone and story that feel original. In Eden Lake, Watkins demonstrated his ability to capture the tension and terror of being trapped, and he brings that same expertise here. There are several moments that start with simple awkward discomfort and others that ramp up the tension. This movie is an absolute ride that is grounded in a well-crafted story.
The trailers emphasized McAvoy, who has excelled in villainous roles in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split and Glass, and he is a clear highlight once again. There are so many subtle elements in his performance that make it shine. A simple smile or a twitch of the eye always alludes to something boiling just beneath the surface. His character is both charming and chilling, simultaneously.
Davis, known for her work in Tully and Terminator: Dark Fate, is asked to play a somewhat antagonistic role at times, and she performs excellently. She gets the audience to waver in their support, making them question whether they are on her side, as she is depicted as a bit of an overreactor. However, when it’s time to define her character fully, she snaps into place decisively.
McNairy, Lefler, and Franciosi are all great as well. However, Hough’s performance absolutely stands out. His role as Ant is a tough one, as it is established early on that he has trouble communicating. As a result, much of his performance is silent, but he delivers in some major ways.
The trailers did this film no favors by revealing elements of the story that audiences shouldn’t know going in. While this is not exclusively a problem for this film, it significantly hinders the overall enjoyment of the presentation. The elements and story beats revealed in the trailer are meant to surprise the audience when they are experienced in order. The gratification of the story lies in the shock these elements bring. To reveal them prematurely takes away their impact in the film, as the audience is simply waiting for them to occur rather than being shocked at the revelation in the moment.
At the end of the day, Watkins’ take on Speak No Evil is a great example of a justified remake. It stands on its own when compared to its Danish counterpart. While studio executives debate whether or not to remake a film, they should ask themselves what their new version will bring to the table. Here, the positives are high, and the overall product is excellent.
Speak No Evil will be in theaters on September 13.
Rating: 5/5
Berkreviews.com 