Speak No Evil Remake Director Explains Why Ending Was Changed

As a seasoned horror movie aficionado who has seen my fair share of blood-curdling tales, I must say that Speak No Evil is a chilling reminder of the darker corners of human nature. The remake by James Watkins, while maintaining the eerie atmosphere of its Danish predecessor, manages to carve out its unique identity with a thought-provoking twist at the end.

In his own words, director James Watkins of the “Speak No Evil” remake shares the reason behind not adopting the 2022 film’s ending for the updated version.

Over the weekend, I got to catch Speak No Evil on the big screen in the U.S. This flick features James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis, and it’s a reimagining of the 2022 Danish horror movie directed by Christian Tafdrup.

In my gaming world, the opening scenes of both Danish and American versions of this movie feel somewhat familiar, but boy, does Tafdrup’s third act take a chilling turn! Morten Burian and Sidsel Siem Koch, my on-screen duo, experience an unimaginable nightmare. After their precious daughter is abducted, they endure a horrifying ordeal where she’s deliberately mutilated in a scene that leaves me utterly shaken.

What did James Watkins say about Speak No Evil’s ending?

Concerning the change in the ending for the Blumhouse remake of Speak No Evil, Watkins explained to Variety why they chose a different approach: “In the original film by Christian, it delves deeply into the final stages – exploring how the constraints of polite society can imprison you. I wanted to reach that climactic point in Act 2 instead. Afterward, I aimed to further develop the themes due to the life-threatening situation. Scoot McNairy’s character represents someone who feels discarded. He finds a role model in Paddy – a harmful mentor who promises an outdated masculinity. Ben is drawn to this and believes that this loose pair will liberate them, thinking it would be like an unusual couples therapy retreat.

In the third act, the model he believed in turns out to be utterly false, and so does his perception of what true masculinity should be. Interestingly enough, it’s his wife who ultimately proves stronger than him, challenging and debunking these traditional notions of masculinity as nothing more than a misguided illusion. This revelation isn’t about gender but rather strength in character.

In addition to the character Ant, the young boy, I aimed to explore the recurring nature of violence, drawing parallels with Philip Larkin’s poem “This Is A Man’s World” and its theme of misery being passed from one person to another. The act of Ant killing Paddy is complex, as some may seek the emotional release it provides, but I believe it doesn’t fit the traditional ‘happy ending’ trope. Instead, it presents a more introspective European interpretation of a Hollywood ending, one that is not triumphant or offering an easy solution. It does not imply our problems have been resolved.

Speak No Evil is now playing in United States theaters.

2024-09-16 20:40

What did James Watkins say about Speak No Evil’s ending?

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