As someone who has had the pleasure of watching both the original Dutch masterpiece “Spreek Geen Kwam” and its recent remake “Speak No Evil,” I must say that the 2024 version has left an indelible impression on me, akin to a well-timed punch from Patrick himself.
Speak No Evil was initially a Danish movie that came out in 2022, produced by Profile Pictures and Oak Motion Pictures. Although the film is primarily in English, Blumhouse acquired the rights to distribute a remake in North America. While there are minor differences between them, it’s the endings where things start to deviate significantly. However, they both follow the story of a family of three who unknowingly become entangled with another trio, and events gradually take a turn for the worse.
What horror fans may be most curious about is whether or not they should see both. In terms of pure ratings, the 2022 version is around 84% on RottenTomatoes, while the 2024 is a hair ahead at 85%. Is one better than the other thus making the existence of two Speak No Evil movies in two years seem frivolous? It’s a good question with a clear answer. So, let’s go through these movies with spoilers on.
6 The Ending: Remake
Do You Like Brutal Or Happy Endings?
Let’s dive straight into the conclusions since this is where the two films vary the most. In the initial version, Bjorn and his family appear to flee Patrick’s residence after he finds the garage filled with photos and Abel dead in a pool. However, their car gets stuck in mud, allowing Patrick’s group to catch up. They abduct Agnes, severing her tongue, and subsequently murder Bjork and Louise by stoning them to death while they are both naked, in a large mine pit.
The original version concludes with a grim scenario, yet the remake offers a more optimistic twist – a common trait among horror movie remakes. Not only does Ben and his family manage to escape unscathed, they even rescue Ant. In the end, all the antagonists meet their demise, but what truly satisfies is when Ant retaliates against Paddy by brutally hitting him over the head until he becomes a soggy mass of mush. It’s undeniably gruesome, but it serves a purpose.
5 Getting To Know Our Heroes: Original
There’s More Time At Home
The two movies open mostly the same with the two hero families on vacation before meeting up with their later antagonists. What the original does do well is fill out the lives of Bjorn and Louise at home. They seem fairly happy between grabbing dinner with friends, going to a school function, and relaxing at home. In the remake, everything feels more stressful and a bit rushed.
It’s surprising, given the remake is longer and generally does a better job at creating suspense. However, when comparing the main characters, it feels easier to support Bjorn and Louise from the original, as they seem to be more in sync with each other. Interestingly, Bjorn eventually reveals he has feelings for Patrick that he doesn’t fully express, which is relatable without delving into the complex issue of infidelity that Ben and Louise face in the remake.
4 The Children: Remake
Giving Them Something To Do
In the remake, Agnes and Anthony will take on more roles compared to Agnes and Abel in the original film. While both share a stuffed rabbit, Agnes experiences fewer overt emotional breakdowns related to it. Conversely, Abel is merely portrayed as a troubled child in the horror genre, lacking significant agency beyond his character’s tormented state and eventual demise at the end of the movie.
In the remake, Agnes’ character development is expanded with her struggle of labored breathing. Additionally, she assists Ant in discovering the mystery surrounding Patrick and Karin by exploring their barn. To clarify, it’s Ant who delivers the fatal blow to Paddy. Although Agnes doesn’t reach the climactic moment herself, having her manipulate her mother away due to her newfound femininity was a wise choice.
3 The Themes: Original
Humiliation vs. The Hunt
Although both films share similar plot points except for the conclusions, they explore distinct themes. The remake primarily focuses on the thrill of the chase. In the story, Paddy could effortlessly eliminate Ben and Louise countless times, yet he revels in their fear. He openly admits to Ben that he cherishes the hunt, although this is in reference to a fox.
From my perspective as an admirer, the original story subtly explores power dynamics, leaving it up to the audience’s interpretation which is what makes it truly masterful. In the natural world, animals often mark their territory by urinating, and that’s something reminiscent of Patrick’s behavior. He intrudes on intimate moments, like walking in on Louise showering or peeing when Bjorn is brushing his teeth. Additionally, he has a habit of stopping by the roadside to relieve himself before eventually stripping the main couple naked. These actions, though seemingly insignificant, convey humiliation and assert dominance – tactics that can be just as chilling as hunting someone down.
2 Fedja van Huet Vs James McAvoy: Remake
McAvoy Looks Ready To Hulk Out At Any Second
Fedja van Huet plays Patrick in the original and James McAvoy plays Paddy. Van Huet does a good job at making things awkward, especially in the bathroom mentioned above scenes, but he lacks structure as a human. He looks like a normal guy whereas McAvoy looks like he works out half of his waking hours.
From top to bottom, the man is incredibly muscular, rendering firearms irrelevant for him. When he becomes agitated, the remake becomes particularly intense – this happens when he’s displeased by Ant’s dancing or when Ben and Louise attempt to escape initially. His performance is wildly captivating, elevating the movie significantly, though it should be noted that all other actors deliver commendable performances as well. The original cast delivers a convincing portrayal too, but audiences are likely eager for Speak No Evil in 2024 to witness McAvoy’s performance and not be let down.
1 Final Verdict: Remake
Two Intense Thrillers For The Halloween Season
In numerous aspects, the initial film appears to serve as a precursor or early model. Scenes that were concise in the original might be expanded upon in the subsequent installment. A compelling illustration of this is the development of Paddy’s fixation on truth-telling, such as during the dinner conversation about vegetarianism and fish, which adds depth to his character and intensifies the overall tension.
It’s tricky to understand Patrick’s beliefs compared to others, and the ending of the remake is more rewarding. Ben, who seemed weak-willed throughout the film, ultimately rises to protect his family, while Bjorn doesn’t. The same can be said for Ant, who in the remake isn’t merely a victim like Abel was in the original. For those seeking brutal scenes, they should stick with the original, but if you prefer to see horror villains get their due, the remake is the better choice.
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2024-09-17 20:53