Speak No Evil (2022) - A Haunting and Unsettling Tale

Never trust strangers you just meet.

Speak No Evil is a 2022 Danish horror film. A family is invited to stay at the home of their vacation pals for a weekend. The family’s behavior grows increasingly alarming, with their stories and history not matching up.

I had never seen the original Speak No Evil before watching the 2024 remake. I was hit by the immense dark gloom of the Danish film when it ended. I watched this film after seeing the 2024 remake, and while both versions have their strengths, the 2022 original has a more subtle approach to horror, though it doesn’t focus on character depth.

Martin Burian and Sidsel Siem Kock play Bjorn and Louise, the couple who accept the invite. A real couple played Patrick and Karin (Fedja van Huet and Karina Smulders). Van Huet’s portrayal of Patrick is chilling and unnerving as his charismatic charm fools you.

The chemistry between the two couples is fascinating and uncomfortable, creating a sense of dread with each interaction. They struggle to voice their discomfort, a relatable issue most people have all faced in awkward situations.

Liva Forsberg and Marius Damslev play the children, Agnes and Abel. One substantial difference between this film and the remake is the kids’ roles. The kids are not utilized in the story, like how they become the sleuths in the latest adaptation.

The inspiration for Speak No Evil came from a real situation that director Christian Tofdrup experienced. He met a couple on vacation who sent a postcard inviting them to visit their home. He didn’t embark on the invite, but the ‘what-if’ immediately sparked into action, thus creating this sinister story.

Tofdrup’s direction excels in creating an atmosphere of quiet horror, the most effective of the genre. He leans heavily on the psychological factor, letting its tension build to an uneasy dread through the character’s interactions and the awkwardness in the situation. It keeps viewers on edge as it gradually shifts into darker territory.

The cinematography plays an important factor, portraying symmetrical shots that create an apprehensive feeling. Visually, Speak No Evil is effective. Horror films don’t need to heavily rely on jump scares to shock their audiences. Speak No Evil succeeds in creating horror rooted in discomfort and psychological manipulation.

There are moments when the camera lingers on characters, making the situation more unsettling. I will always remember jumping out of my skin when Patrick watches his guests through a stained glass window. Moments like these terrify audiences, raising terror if anybody is watching private moments.

Production wasn’t easy, stopping four times due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was filmed in seven weeks over a twelve-month run. The house they filmed was torn down right when principal photography ended.

I thought this film would be in a different language only to learn that most of it is in English. That’s not a bad thing. Speak No Evil effectively demonstrates how we should voice our feelings and not let others make us uncomfortable.

However, one of the film’s biggest flaws is its lack of clarity around character motivations. The remake provided more background to the antagonists' behavior, which I found satisfying in contrast to the original. That doesn’t make either film the superior, each occupying a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.

Take a look at this film and see what you think. Compared to the tamed 2024 remake ending, I warn you, be prepared for a brutal and unsettling climax. It’s not easy to watch. Be aware of violence, nudity, and ruthless behavior.