While many studios produce horror films, A24 and Blumhouse are leading the pack in the genre. Recently, Blumhouse has delivered unsettling hits like Imaginary and Afraid, which center around eerie creatures and malevolent entities. For fans of spine-chilling tales and supernatural thrills, Blumhouse consistently offers engaging content. Their latest release is ‘Speak No Evil’, hitting theatres recently in 2024.
In ‘Speak No Evil’, the story follows married couple Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben Dalton (Scott McNairy), who, while on vacation with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), encounter another couple, Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi). The seemingly idyllic trip takes a dark turn when they discover the other couple’s sinister secrets. But is this film a remake or an original creation?
Image Courtesy: IMDb
‘Speak No Evil’ is a remake of the Danish horror film of the same name, released in 2022. Both versions revolve around a family who encounters a couple during their vacation and later learns of their murderous tendencies. This premise, set against a vacation backdrop, taps into classic horror themes and Blumhouse’s penchant for reimagining chilling narratives.
The remake features a different ending from the original, which some fans of the Danish version might find controversial. However, director James Watkins explained that the remake incorporates satire and social commentary, aiming to provide an intense, thought-provoking experience. Watkins, who previously avoided remakes, was drawn to ‘Speak No Evil’ for its compelling concept and the chance to offer a fresh take on the story.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Horror enthusiasts should consider watching both the Danish original and the Blumhouse remake, as each offers a unique perspective on the narrative. While ‘Speak No Evil’ has garnered a respectable 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a lower 55% score on the Popcornmeter, reflecting mixed reviews. Despite some criticisms, its Rotten Tomatoes rating surpasses many other horror films, including some remakes that have received poor feedback.
Remakes often spark debate, with some viewers embracing new interpretations while others feel the original films’ magic is lost. Critics have noted that the original ‘Speak No Evil’ might be superior, with ABC News highlighting its effectiveness. Nevertheless, Blumhouse is set to continue exploring remakes, including an upcoming ‘Blair Witch Project’ reboot directed by Mike Flanagan. It will be intriguing to see how these new versions compare to their predecessors.
–Farheen Ali