🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Christian Tafdrup
- Genre: Thriller, Horror, Drama, Mystery, Psychological Horror
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 37min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (57k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Polite Danes meet rude Dutch folks, ignore all the red flags, and end up having a really, REALLY bad holiday.
🍿 Speak No Evil: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Initial Encounter and Invitation
Bjørn and Louise, a Danish couple, meet Patrick and Karin, a Dutch couple, while on vacation in Tuscany. They quickly bond, and an invitation to visit the Dutch family in their remote home in the Netherlands soon follows. The Danish couple, seeking adventure and perhaps a break from their routine, accepts the invitation.
Growing Discomfort and Red Flags
Upon arrival, the Danish family experiences a series of unsettling incidents. Patrick and Karin exhibit increasingly strange and aggressive behaviors, challenging Louise’s vegetarianism, displaying erratic parenting towards their son Abel (who has congenital aglossia) and overstepping social boundaries. Louise, in particular, feels a growing sense of unease but hesitates to express her discomfort, fearing she’ll appear impolite.
The Ill-Fated Return
Driven by a particularly disturbing incident involving their daughter Agnes, Bjørn and Louise decide to leave in the middle of the night. However, Agnes realizes she has left her stuffed rabbit, Ninus, behind. Despite their growing apprehension, they return to the house to retrieve the toy. The Dutch couple feigns remorse and manages to convince the Danes to stay, leading to a brief period of seeming reconciliation.
Discovery and Final Descent
Bjørn’s unease persists, and he secretly investigates the property, discovering a hidden cabin filled with disturbing photographs and luggage. He finds evidence suggesting Patrick and Karin are serial killers who target families with young children. Bjørn then discovers Abel’s body drowned in the pool, confirming his worst fears. He attempts to flee with his family, but their car breaks down, and they are recaptured by the Dutch couple.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bjørn (Morten Burian): A Danish husband and father whose politeness and repressed emotions lead to devastating consequences for his family.
- Louise (Sidsel Siem Koch): Bjørn’s vegetarian wife who is more attuned to the unsettling atmosphere but ultimately succumbs to the escalating horrors.
- Agnes (Liva Forsberg): The young daughter of Bjørn and Louise who becomes a victim of the Dutch couple’s sadistic plan.
- Patrick (Fedja van Huêt): The charismatic yet sinister Dutch host who manipulates and terrorizes the Danish family.
- Karin (Karina Smulders): Patrick’s wife and accomplice, enabling his disturbing behavior and participating in the family’s torment.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Patrick: “Because you let me.” – Patrick’s chilling response to Bjørn’s desperate question of why they are being targeted, encapsulating the film’s central theme of passive compliance.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $3.2M
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $377,060
💥 Speak No Evil Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I went into this movie expecting a typical thriller, but ‘Speak No Evil’ messed with me. The feeling of unease just kept building, and I found myself yelling at the screen because the parents were making such awful decisions! The ending…wow. It was brutal and made me question everything. Definitely not a fun watch, but one that will stick with you, and that’s what makes it a good movie for me. Watch with caution, but be prepared to be disturbed!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of psychological thrillers”
- “Viewers who appreciate dark satire and social commentary”
- “Those who enjoy films that explore uncomfortable and disturbing themes”
- “People interested in European horror films”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Disturbing content”
- “Child abuse”
- “Intense psychological distress”
- “Stoning”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Tafdrup masterfully builds tension through social awkwardness, making the descent into horror deeply unsettling. The film’s exploration of politeness and its consequences is both thought-provoking and disturbing.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Speak No Evil is a brilliant exercise in sustained dread, forcing viewers to confront their own discomfort and complicity. The performances are excellent, particularly van Huêt’s chilling portrayal of Patrick.
- Variety: “A slow-burn thriller that escalates into shocking violence. The film cleverly examines the dark side of human nature, showing how easily politeness can be exploited.
Audience Reactions
The movie’s shocking ending left viewers speechless and deeply disturbed.: The tension-building and disturbing finale left audiences reeling.
Many viewers admired how the film explores the dark side of politeness and the consequences of being too accommodating.: The commentary on social norms and the dangers of being too polite resonated with many.
Overall Consensus: Speak No Evil is a disturbing and thought-provoking thriller that explores the dark side of human nature and the consequences of unchecked politeness. Viewer reactions are split between horrified and impressed.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is a Danish-Dutch co-production, reflecting the cultural dynamics explored in the story.”
- “Director Christian Tafdrup has stated that the film explores the themes of politeness, social discomfort, and the dark side of human interaction.”
- “The real-life marriage of Karina Smulders (Karin) and Fedja van Huêt (Patrick) added an extra layer of intensity to their on-screen relationship.”
🖥️ How to Watch Speak No Evil?
Speak No Evil is available for streaming on Shudder and AMC+. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for availability, as streaming options may vary by region. Some services may offer a free trial period.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Speak No Evil, you might like these similar films:
- Funny Games (1997): Shares a similar theme of civilized people being terrorized in their own home by seemingly normal individuals, exploring the audience’s expectations of violence.
- The Strangers (2008): Features a couple terrorized in a remote location with the motive of the perpetrators being rooted in the simple fact that ‘they were home’.
- Eden Lake (2008): A British couple on holiday confront a gang of vicious teenagers and their holiday turns into a violent nightmare.
🛒 Speak No Evil Related Products
- Speak No Evil (Blu-ray): Own the physical copy of this disturbing psychological horror movie. A must have for collectors of foreign horror films.
- Speak No Evil Movie Poster: The minimalist and striking poster, perfect for fans of indie and art-house horror. Show off your great movie taste with this fantastic poster.
- The Psychology of Evil: Understanding Our Dark Side: Delve deeper into the psychological concepts explored in the movie, such as manipulation, conformity, and the banality of evil. Understand more about how this movie accurately portrayed psychopathic tendencies and traits.
🎧 Soundtrack
Speak No Evil features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Speak No Evil Theme” – performed by Sune Martin
- “Awkward Dinner” – performed by unofficial Soundtrack
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Speak No Evil explores themes of politeness, cultural differences, and the potential for evil to thrive when people suppress their instincts and ignore red flags in social situations. It’s a dark satire about the consequences of prioritizing social harmony over personal safety.
The parents’ inaction is a central point of contention and debate surrounding the film. It’s interpreted by some as a commentary on the passivity and politeness of certain cultures, while others find it unrealistic and frustrating. The film suggests that their desire to avoid conflict and maintain social harmony ultimately overrides their survival instincts.
No, Speak No Evil is a work of fiction. However, it draws inspiration from real-world anxieties about social interactions, cultural differences, and the potential for hidden danger in seemingly normal situations.
Agnes’ tongue being cut out is a symbolic act that mirrors the disability of the Dutch couple’s son, Abel, who was born without a tongue. It represents the ultimate silencing and control of the victim, forcing her into the role that the perpetrators have chosen. It highlights the horrifying nature of the Dutch couple and their motive to create twisted versions of their family.
🔥 Bonus Content
How “Speak No Evil” Misses The Point – A Comparison
Ever wonder if the ‘Speak No Evil’ remake lived up to the original? This video breaks down the key differences, especially that controversial ending. Honestly, it totally changed my perspective on the movie!
James McAvoy is HUGE for Speak No Evil
Did you know James McAvoy bulked up BIG TIME for ‘Speak No Evil’? This video shows how his physical transformation added another layer to his character’s creepiness. I was shocked!
Speak No Evil Movie Explained (SPOILERS)
Completely lost on the ending of Speak No Evil? This video essay unravels all the hidden meanings and symbolism. Seriously, it will blow your mind with how deep this movie actually is!
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