As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a keen eye for suspenseful narratives, I must say that the ending of Speak No Evil left me utterly spellbound and deeply contemplative. The film serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of complacency and the perils of turning a blind eye to the unsettling signs in our midst.
The era of remakes, sequels, and spin-offs continues unabated, and the latest offering in the horror genre is none other than Speak No Evil. Headlined by powerhouse actor James McAvoy and produced by Blumhouse, Speak No Evil is the American adaptation of the Danish psychological horror film that was released just two years ago. The original movie centers around a reserved Danish family who decide to visit a more outgoing Dutch family they met on vacation. As their stay unfolds, the Danish family encounters behavior from the Dutch family that can only be described as overly friendly, which gradually becomes unsettling and increasingly concerning as their visit progresses.
The initial Danish production of this movie had a modest budget of only $3.2 million, but it managed to earn $631,249 during its theatrical release in the Netherlands and Denmark in 2022. Later, it made its way to Shudder in September 2022 following a brief theatrical run in the United States. Notably, Blumhouse announced in April 2023 that they would be remaking the Danish horror film, with Michael Fassbender and Mackenzie Davis set to star. James Watkins, known for his work on the 2008 psychological horror film “Eden Lake,” was appointed as the director, while Jason Blum will produce.
Just like any remake does, the American adaptation of “Speak No Evil” deviates from the original, particularly in the third act. The Danish original is a gradually intensifying psychological thriller that becomes progressively uneasy and aggravating as the story unfolds. On the other hand, the American version has undergone alterations, but the climax of the original remains just as frustrating as it is unsettling. In essence, what occurs at the end of the original “Speak No Evil”? Here’s a simplified explanation: The final scene shows the protagonist’s family discovering her diary and confronting her about the secrets she had kept, leading to a tense and emotional resolution.
What Happens Between the Dutch and Danish Families?
To truly appreciate the shocking conclusion of the movie, it’s crucial to grasp the unusual relationship balance between the Dutch and Danish clans. The Dutch couple, Patrick (played by Fedja van Huet) and Karin (Karina Smulders), are quite extroverted, even though they have a reserved son named Abel (Marius Damslev).
Louise (Sidsel Siem Koch) and Bjørn (Morten Burian), a conservative Danish duo along with their young daughter Agnes (Liva Forsberg), initially hesitated about visiting a family they met during their Italian vacation. However, they eventually gathered their belongings and took their child to a rural cabin in the Netherlands, owned by their newfound Dutch friends.
During their visit, the behavior of Patrick and Karin, which included passive-aggressive actions and mistreatment of their son Abel, frequently tested Louise and Bjørn’s patience. Whenever the Dutch couple felt uneasy enough to consider leaving, Patrick and Karin managed to persuade them to stay. An incident where Louise discovered her daughter sleeping with a naked Patrick in bed led to another instance where they were convinced to remain, as Patrick rationalized that she was having trouble sleeping, and he wanted her to feel secure.
In an effort to avoid appearing ungrateful towards Patrick and Karin’s kindness, Louise and Bjørn often make questionable choices that end up jeopardizing their entire family. They even convince Louise to eat meat against her beliefs and coerce Bjørn into footing the bill for meals, all to keep from being perceived as rude by the Dutch couple. This means they let the Danish couple dominate them in various ways to maintain a polite image.
What Is Revealed About the Dutch Family?
As the film unfolds, it gradually becomes clear that there’s a darker side to the Dutch couple beyond simple passive-aggressiveness. Abel rarely speaks and seems uncomfortable around his parents. A confrontation between both sets of parents, followed by an altercation involving Agnes and a mug being hurled at Abel, makes Louise and Bjørn seriously consider departing for good.
That fateful night of the heated argument, Bjørn stumbles upon a cabin outside, finding it stuffed with cameras and abandoned luggage. Photos adorning the walls depicted Patrick and Karin socializing with various couples featuring young kids, hinting that the Dutch duo were possibly serial killers, preparing to target Bjørn’s family as their next victims. Upon further exploration, Bjørn uncovers Abel’s lifeless body at the bottom of a well, solidifying his suspicions about the Dutch couple being cold-blooded murderers.
If persistent passive-aggressiveness towards Abel and Bjørn’s revelations didn’t already push the Danish family to depart, it was those discoveries that proved to be the decisive factor. In the end, these events were what prompted Louise and Bjørn to flee with their daughter, although they currently find themselves in a situation where leaving isn’t an option.
Why Didn’t the Danish Family Fight Back?
Louise and Bjørn are courteous, amiable individuals who instill similar qualities in their daughter. Initially uncertain about accepting an invitation from a family they met only once, the Danish family eventually agreed to avoid appearing rude or snobbish. Their commitment to politeness and respectfulness ultimately led them into dangerous circumstances. Overwhelmed by kindness and eagerness to avoid conflict, they chose to disregard clear warning signs.
As Louise and Bjørn eventually figure out that the Dutch pair are not who they claim to be, they’ve already let slip several chances for escape. Despite this, they continue to maintain harmony and conceal their suspicions regarding Patrick and Karin. This behavior might appear as a strategy to prevent Patrick and Karin from suspecting they know something amiss, but the fact remains that Bjørn and Louise lack any survival skills.
They often fail to use good judgment regarding safety and wellness. Instead of trusting their instincts when something seems amiss, they prioritize politeness and formality, which can lead to making questionable decisions. It’s truly infuriating to witness these parents repeatedly make poor choices and submit to another couple’s pressure to do things that clearly go against their wishes.
What the Speak No Evil Ending Actually Means
Before Louise and Bjørn make their final getaway, there are hints that Patrick and Karin might be repeat serial killers. This notion becomes undeniable when Bjørn stumbles upon Abel’s corpse at the base of a well. Earlier in the movie, Patrick and Karin briefly mention that Abel was born without a tongue. Later, it is disclosed that they removed his tongue to prevent him from revealing their activities to others.
In an unexpectedly grim turn of events, it was revealed that Abel wasn’t biologically the Danish family’s son, but rather the child of another couple they had encountered during a past vacation. Patrick and Karin resorted to taking pretended vacations primarily to engage young couples, invite them to their home, and ultimately swap their children in a cruel, repeating pattern.
Agnes was the next child they brutally victimized. Bjørn and Louise were subjected to physical abuse, with Karin cutting out Agnes’ tongue and abducting her. Later, both Bjørn and Louise were forced to strip and walk through a quarry at a secluded location. As their fate seemed inevitable, Bjørn questioned “Why are you treating us like this?”, to which Patrick responded arrogantly, “Because you allowed it,” encapsulating the entire scenario. Despite having no struggle for survival, Bjørn and Louise were ultimately thrown into the quarry and pelted with stones until they perished.
In the movie, every element seems to connect with Patrick’s “Because you let us” statement. Throughout the plot, neither Bjorn nor Louise assert themselves or their daughter against the mistreatment by Patrick and Karin. Instead, they endure their harassment without retaliation. The only instance where they attempt to resist their oppressors is when they throw a mug at Abel, but they quickly retreat when the situation becomes uncomfortable. From the outset, Patrick and Karin tested their commitment to social etiquette and politeness, and Bjorn and Louise unknowingly complied with this test.
In connection with the movie’s name, Bjørn and Louise’s actions mirror the Three Wise Monkeys, an ancient Japanese concept symbolizing the saying “Look not on, listen not to, speak not of” evil. Each monkey stands for one of the actions.
I find myself drawn to the various interpretations of this proverb, but the one that pertains to individuals who choose to disregard disturbing actions and speech resonates strongly with me, especially in the context of the film. It implies that those who willfully ignore such behavior or information are essentially complicit, a description that fits our two main characters, Bjørn and Louise, quite well. If only they had acknowledged their predicament honestly, perhaps Agnes’ fate could have been altered for the better.
I’m thrilled to share that the intriguing movie “Speak No Evil” is currently streaming on Shudder, and for those who prefer a cinematic experience, the American version of this gripping film is now gracing theater screens near you!
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2024-09-16 06:32