James Mcevoy stole the show. His performance blurs the lines between being charismatic and charming to unnerving and sinister. The remake of the Danish film with the same title follows in its footsteps for most of the film however, does differ in the final act.
The original film I believe takes it to a level that makes it different and memorable. The remake struggles to get to the unhinging and downright terrifying moments in the third act that they original created (Especially the ending scene in the quarry).
However, the remake it does offer a new twist to the original. A different setting on an English farm which boasts a different type of scenery from the original as well as an American family being the guests.
This movie provides some special moments where the viewers are cringing (in a good way) at the conversations that the couples are having. Definitely makes you feel uneasy, specially when you know the nature of the hosts intentions.
I just feel like the final act was a bit too Hollywood, in the sense of the families actions and ultimate conclusion to the film. However, I will say that the remake does enough to warrant enough for its creation thoroughly helped by a special performance by James and his fellow cast members.
Enjoyable :))
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU 720p.WEB 1080p.WEB 1080p.WEB.x265Movie Reviews
Praise for James
Having seen the original, I was pleasantly surprised.
I watched the original Speak No Evil on Shudder last year, to call that film a uniuque experience would be an understatement. I went to the cinema to watch the 'American' remake and I was pleasantly surprised. I was pleasantly surprised because they took the winning formula of the original version and took some of their own turns with it. James McEvoy makes a great antagonist as we have seen in the past, great performance. If you have watched this film and enjoyed it, I would strongly advise watching the original. It is much the same in how it plays out from the outset, but is a lot more grounded, realistic and gritty, also the ending of the original is better from a horror perspective.
I Believe in James McAvoy Supremacy
Finally, a win for Blumhouse after a year of mid-tier flicks and straight-up duds. Who would've thought the studio's saving grace would be an American remake of a film that's barely two years old-and already 80% in English? But here we are. The key difference? This version is infinitely better, less frustrating, and dare I say, actually satisfying.
James McAvoy-what a powerhouse. Honestly, just put this guy in every horror movie from now on, especially if he's the villain. He's so good at it, you can almost hear him whispering, "Watch me steal every damn scene." And, of course, he does. Every. Time.
Speak No Evil is easily one of the best horror films of the year, in my opinion. The biggest improvement?
Characters that actually deserve to be rooted for.
Well, okay, they're a little dumb in the first third, but at least they smarten up before you lose all hope except for one particular individual. Blumhouse, take a bow-you've finally done something right!