Speak No Evil

"Speak No Evil is the Hollywood remake (courtesy of Blumhouse) of the successful Danish film directed by Christian Tafdrup. And, as is often the case with Hollywood remakes, it’s a somewhat “watered-down” version of the original. The story follows an American family (Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis) invited to spend a weekend at the idyllic estate of a charming British family (James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi) they met while on vacation. This is despite the hosts’ erratic behavior, suggested misogyny, and seemingly contained violence. On paper, it’s a film that comments on how political correctness can irrationally suppress our instinct for self-preservation, to flee or defend ourselves, with the male protagonist embodying this moral timidity. However, this version dilutes the coldness and harshness of the original in a conclusion that tends toward the common tropes of violent spectacle. If you haven’t seen the original, it will provide an entertaining time – and McAvoy is delightfully deranged in a role reminiscent of his craziness in Split. However, if you've already seen the Danish version, you might want to skip this Hollywood take."