‘I Don’t Know What It Is About Americans.’ Original Speak No Evil Director Criticizes The James McAvoy Remake’s Ending

by

As a seasoned horror enthusiast who’s seen more than a few grim tales, I must say that the remake of Speak No Evil left me both impressed and puzzled. Impressed by the stellar performance of James McAvoy and the suspenseful build-up, but puzzled by the stark contrast it had with its Danish predecessor.

Caution: Details that could spoil your experience with both versions of the movie “Speak No Evil” are being discussed. If you’re planning to watch either version without knowing the plot, and prefer to be surprised, consider yourself warned.

Despite being relatively low-key among the 2024 movie lineup, Universal and Blumhouse’s “Speak No Evil” is gaining recognition with horror enthusiasts. However, this isn’t necessarily a positive development, as the director/co-writer of the film, Christian Tafdrup, has expressed disapproval towards it. In fact, he had some harsh criticisms, especially regarding the disparity between the endings of the two movies.

What The Original Speak No Evil’s Director Thinks The Remake Gets Wrong

Speaking as a guest on Danish radio’s Kulturen (through World of Reel), Tafdrup shared his thoughts about how the James McAvoy movie, to some extent, deviated from the original intent of his 2022 source material. In more detail, the co-creator of the initial universe provided a perspective infused with cultural nuances:

I don’t know what it is about Americans, but they are brought up for a heroic tale, where the good must win over the bad, and this version of the film cultivates that. … [The audience] were completely over-enthusiastic and clapped, laughed and whooped. It was like being at a rock concert. … people…left my film traumatized.

To the right person, that critique must hurt more than taking a box cutter to the face. Especially with Tafdrup comparing the sum total experiences of the pictures with such a sharp contrast. After learning just how different the two experiences are, I have to admit I was floored in the difference between the Speak No Evil I caught in theaters last weekend, and the experience that inspired its creation. And to dig deeper into that paradox of thought, we’re going to have to get into the gory details of just what happened.

How Speak No Evil’s Ending Differs Between The Original And The Remake

For those who missed the modest debut of “Speak No Evil”, this could be your final opportunity to leave before I reveal too much. Now might be a perfect moment for you to catch up on either Universal/Blumhouse’s remake in cinemas or the original film through digital rental or streaming it on Shudder.

Reflecting on Christian Tafdrup’s additional thoughts about the portrayal of ‘Evil’ in both films, it became clear to me that perhaps it was wise for James McAvoy to abstain from watching the original ‘Speak No Evil’. The ending of the American remake presents a significantly brighter conclusion, notably more upbeat than Tafdrup’s description of his original movie’s finale.

Yesterday, when I caught that movie, it was clear that a flick centered around characters meeting an untimely demise due to being stone-cold-dead wouldn’t fly. Instead, the American version focuses on family and overcoming adversaries – a classic battle between good and evil. It ends on a high note, which is deeply rooted in their culture, making it a story that America can embrace and enjoy.

Although it’s challenging to deny that “Speak No Evil”‘s 24-episode conclusion seems more in line with a standard “American Remake,” the captivating acting of James McAvoy remains spine-tinglingly effective. In contrast, the survival of Louise and Ben Dalton (played by Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy), along with young Ant (Dan Hough), against their captors and their subsequent escape, gives off a sense of a less tragic or “happy” ending compared to the grim fate experienced by the central Danish couple.

To put it another way, I’m somewhat relieved that these two films have such a noticeable difference, as it provides a purpose for the remake. Showcasing the differences between these versions of the Speak No Evil tale might even persuade those who enjoyed the remake to revisit the original and make comparisons. Ideally, this would enhance the overall experience, offering its own merit with Christian Tafdrup’s direction.

If by chance you’ve managed to read this story without having seen either version of “Speak No Evil”, don’t worry! You can still catch the 2024 remake on the big screen, while the original from 2022 is currently available for streaming via Shudder. And if you’re concerned about being unaware of upcoming horror movies, fear not – they’re easily within reach through our guide to what lies ahead in the shadows.

Read More

2024-09-20 19:07