*pre-screening invite*
A huge shoutout to Blum House and Universal Pictures for inviting me to a super cool pre-screening of the highly anticipated Speak No Evil! As someone who really enjoyed the original 2022 Danish version, I was beyond excited for this.
Upon arrival, we were treated to drinks and a rather impressive immersive experience to get us pumped for the screening, along with plenty of photo-ops against dedicated, immersive backdrops that transported you into the movie. As you can see from my reel below…
Anyway, onto the review…
James Watkins’ Speak No Evil (2024) is a suspenseful and more hollywood-ised take on the original by Christian Tafdrup. If you’ve watched the OG version, you’ll notice that Watkin’s diverges significantly towards the close of the movie. While Tafdrup’s film was dark, unsettling, and unapologetically disturbing, its UK remake has stripped much of that shock factor away, crafting a more restrained and accessible thriller aimed at a wider, mainstream audience. To put it simple, It’s a psychological thriller that plays it safe—something I’d totally recommend to my mum, who would never be able to sit through the original.
For most viewers, this more controlled version will appeal. relying less on the disturbing brutality of its predecessor and more on atmosphere and character development. It’s a smarter, more polished form of horror, built to appeal to those who may shy away from the more graphic or challenging elements of the genre. That said, if you loved the raw, uncomfortable feeling of the original, you might feel like this remake pulls its punches a bit too much, but for me personally, I enjoyed both versions equally for their own individual qualities.
McAvoy has a discovered a unique knack for playing psychologically complex characters since his role in ‘Split’ and his ability to slip into the skin of a psychopath is on full display here. His portrayal is convincing, managing to carry both charm and fear, and is possibly the strongest argument in favour of this remake…
Another highlight for me is Watkins’ decision to set it in the Devon countryside. It provides an immediate sense of intimacy and familiarity for those from the UK. The remoteness of Devon contrasts sharply with the urban paranoia often seen in psychological thrillers, giving the film a distinctly British vibe that makes it feel a little closer to home. The isolation amplifies the feeling of dread, as we are cut off from the outside world in a place that should feel safe but instead becomes hostile.
In the end, Speak No Evil (2024) is a more restrained, polished interpretation of the original. Depending on what kind of watch you’re after, It doesn’t push boundaries or feel as raw, but it makes up for it with some smart suspense and an amazing performance from McAvoy. Either way, it is brilliantly filmed, with beautiful cinematography, and it brings a new life to its source.
Releases in UK Theatres on September 12th.
3.5/5
@clogascoigne 
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