COLLECTOR'S CRYPT - SPEAK NO EVIL (2022 ACORN MEDIA DVD)
One of the compelling reasons “for” more expedient remakes of modern horror movies is the opportunity to compare them closer to each other, and with the same kind of “fresh-eyed” experience one gets from a first-time watch. More often, we are comparing films we’ve seen countless times to ones we’ve seen just once with our full bias on display for the original entry. This is of course speaking in generalities, but the point remains the same, the more closely we can compare our first viewing experiences the more apt we can be at noting the differences and assigning preferences. It’s not the strongest argument, and perhaps we’re grasping at straws vamping this intro, but this is an opportunity we’ve had with “Speak No Evil.” Having recently seen the Blumhouse remake (read our review) and having previously seen Christian Tafdrup’s original 2022 film we had the chance to revisit it with the recently released DVD from Acorn Media. How does the original compare to the remake, especially considering their close proximity?
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
A Danish family visits a Dutch family they met on a holiday. What was supposed to be an idyllic weekend slowly starts unraveling as the Danes try to stay polite in the face of unpleasantness.
HOW IS IT?
This is the second time we’ve seen “Speak No Evil” here at the crypt, the first one being on Shudder when the film hit the streaming service a couple of years ago. Since then, we’ve had an aforementioned remake that gives us a fresh perspective on this more recent viewing as the DVD hit store shelves in the UK. The strengths of the film are still rigidly intact and make the direct carryover into the Blumhouse remake feel lazy, but then again if it ain’t broken, right? What stands out even in greater contrast is the ending, which varies wildly from Tafdrup’s original film and is in many ways more effective than the remake even if it still feels a bit far-fetched for us Stateside.
It’s an educated guess to assume that those of you reading this are probably quite familiar with “Speak No Evil,” either from coverage in various horror sites/publications or because you’ve seen the film before. That said, instead of rehashing the plot details let’s focus on what still works with “Speak No Evil.” The primary engine keeping this tension train running is in the details. Little glances, phrases, or actions that send the message to both Bjørn and Louise, wonderfully acted by Morten Burian and Sidsel Siem Koch, that something is off. When Patrick offers Louise meat she eats it, but then when she reminds him she is a vegetarian he reacts less like one would expect (apologetic, empathetic) and more aggressive. Why wouldn’t Louise say anything, Patrick wonders, and therein lies the questions the film raises; what happens when one side doesn’t respect the social contract, and how far can you push someone? The slight and steady elevation of the situation cruises by less like a slow burn and more like a knot-twist as every moment spent at the house feels more suffocating than the last. This is pulled off to perfect effect, along with a score that both rattles the senses and perfectly fits the calmly chaotic tone.
That said, the ending still leaves some questions that have us scratching our heads. To be fair, and a surprise to no one, the ending of the original is a better ending than the one we got in 2024’s iteration. While the 2024 one feels more North American, it also goes against the questions that both it and this film ask by turning into a shootout. Here, the ending does feel more aligned to the tone and point of the film, but at the same time seems to posit that some people can just be pushed to the point of apathy. That would be a valid argument at the end of a movie like say, “Martyrs” where abuse is sustained for weeks if not longer. Here, we’re talking about a couple of days against two people who do not pose as much of a threat as the couple treats them, but again, this is armchair criticism and we aren’t in their situation. Nevertheless, so much of the ending works besides the conclusion that it still leaves a somewhat sour taste in our mouths with what is otherwise a very tasty and tense meal of a film.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
The Region B/PAL DVD from Acorn Media offers as good a picture quality as possible for the format. There was a Blu-ray announced, but for some strange reason, it has been pulled before release. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact and if this is your only option for being able to watch this it is likely the best it will look on the format. Images from this release are used throughout the review.
HOW DOES IT SOUND?
Sound-wise there are a few options including Dolby 5.1 surround sound audio in English, Danish, and Dutch. The 5.1 track doesn’t get a lot of working out, but it does pair nicely with the ambient noise of the countryside setting providing a more immersive viewing and listening experience.
ANYTHING SPECIAL?
There are no special features included with this release.
LAST RITES
“Speak No Evil” is an undisputed modern classic of taut and uncomfortable viewing that strikes fear into the hearts of the cowardly or introverted. It may resonate differently with viewers depending on their sense of social obligation, but it’s also best enjoyed as both a viewing experience and a conversation piece!
THE GORY DETAILS
Thank you to the fine fiends over at AIM Publicity for providing a review copy for the crypt! Speak No Evil is available NOW and can be ordered via Amazon UK!
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