Is Blumhouse’s Speak No Evil A Remake?

Is Blumhouse's Speak No Evil A Remake?

As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast, I can attest that A24 and Blumhouse are undoubtedly the reigning kings of the scary movie genre. Their latest offering, Speak No Evil, is no exception to this rule. With its chilling plot and stellar cast, it promises to deliver a nerve-wracking experience that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.


Although other film studios produce horror movies too, A24 and Blumhouse are two major forces when it comes to delivering chilling films. Lately, Blumhouse has unveiled spine-tingling productions like “Imaginary” and “Afraid”, the latter being a thriller about an intelligent home. If you’re a fan of tales involving enigmatic creatures, relentless pursuers, or sinister supernatural entities, you can expect an exciting time at a Blumhouse movie. One of their upcoming releases is Speak No Evil, hitting theaters on September 13th, 2024.

In the film “Speak No Evil,” the characters Louise Dalton, played by Mackenzie Davis, and her husband Ben Dalton, portrayed by Scott McNairy, embark on a vacation with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler). However, their peaceful trip is disrupted when they cross paths with Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi). But, you may wonder if this is a remake or an original horror movie? The answer lies in the fact that it is an original horror film.

Is Blumhouse’s Speak No Evil A Remake?

Is Blumhouse's Speak No Evil A Remake?

The movie “Speak No Evil,” released in 2022, is actually a remake of a Danish horror film. This new adaptation revolves around a family who encounters another couple during their summer vacation, only to discover that they’re murderers. Watching suspenseful tales unfold against the backdrop of a seemingly peaceful getaway or an unexpectedly perilous trip can be quite intriguing. As some may question if Spawn remains contemporary, a plot about sinister strangers never goes out of style. Given this, it’s not surprising that Blumhouse decided to create a fresh take on “Speak No Evil.

In the remake, the ending of Speak No Evil differs from the original, and while some fans of the initial release might argue that it shouldn’t have been changed, it seems fitting as the conclusion for this revamped storyline. Director James Watkins addressed these thoughts in an interview with Time Magazine. He stated:

From Tafdrup’s movie, I’ve gleaned the use of satire, the investigation of societal norms, and our responses. A film can offer a thrilling ride that is both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking, providing food for thought that sparks conversations in casual settings like a pub, but it should also be enjoyable.

In addition, Watkins spoke with Fangoria and acknowledged that his film is a remake. He explained that in the past, he had no interest in directing remakes, but the concept of Speak No Evil was too intriguing to pass up. In simpler terms, when chances to direct remakes presented themselves, he wasn’t interested. However, the idea behind Speak No Evil was so captivating that he couldn’t resist it.

I adored the original work and what Christian [Tafdrup] brought to it – the somber tone, the underlying message, and the character development. I found myself captivated by every aspect of it, truly. However, while appreciating it, I also saw potential for a fresh take or slight modification based on my own perspective. If a work doesn’t offer room for personal interpretation, I don’t feel compelled to participate. If it’s merely a duplicate, audiences should stick with Christian’s film, and they certainly can. In a sense, I believe that the two productions could now engage in a meaningful dialogue.

Horror fans should definitely check out both the Danish original and the Blumhoues remake since the story stands out in a sea of haunted house horror movies. While many are genuinely unnerving, some films feature too many cliches and wrong notes. Speak No Evil, on the other hand, dives into the dynamics between the characters and the mysterious new couple Ben and Louise have met. This is a great premise and draws people in, and as director James Watkins said, there’s no reason why people can’t enjoy watching both movies.

Do Critics Like Blumhouse’s Speak No Evil?

Is Blumhouse's Speak No Evil A Remake?

The movie “Speak No Evil” has an impressive 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it only scores 55% on the Popcornmeter. Critics’ opinions on this film, as highlighted by Rotten Tomatoes, vary; some found it dull while others appreciated it. This is common with horror films, as people’s expectations for such stories can differ significantly. Despite some negative reviews, “Speak No Evil” still boasts a higher rating than many other horror movies, even surpassing remakes that have scored zero percent.

Some individuals embrace remakes with an open mind, curious to discover any fresh perspectives, while others argue that numerous horror remakes fall short due to their failure to preserve the unique charm of the original narrative. Both arguments hold merit, given the mixed results seen in many reinterpretations, which often fail to reach the full, chilling impact of the initial story.

Some critics feel that the Speak No Evil original is better than the remake. ABC News called the original “superior.” However, horror fans will likely see more remakes from Blumhouse in the future. The company is working on a new Blair Witch Project and Mike Flanagan will direct a reboot. It will be interesting to see how these remakes pan out.

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2024-09-14 00:33