Speak No Evil director defends changing the original’s bleak ending

As a seasoned gamer and movie enthusiast with a penchant for psychological thrillers, I must say that Speak No Evil seems to be right up my alley. The remake of a Danish film by the same name promises a rollercoaster ride of suspense and tension, which is exactly what I crave in my entertainment.


As an ardent admirer of Speak No Evil, I can confidently say that I understand and appreciate James Watkins’ decision to alter the movie’s profoundly somber finale. The creative process is a delicate dance between staying true to the original work and injecting fresh perspectives, and in this case, I believe the new ending adds depth and intrigue while still respecting the essence of the story.

The upcoming film featuring James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis is essentially a re-imagining of a Danish movie with the same title, released just two years back. While I won’t reveal any spoilers, both films share a common plot where an idyllic vacation in a stunning country house transforms into a harrowing ordeal.

In an interview with SFX Magazine, Watkins shared the reasons behind his choice to deviate from the ending of Christian Tafdrup’s adaptation.

Speak No Evil director defends changing the original's bleak ending

He remarked, “Some viewers of the initial film might think, ‘Why isn’t there a remake of this movie? Why wasn’t the intense, non-stop finale recreated?'”

However, I’d like to emphasize that I am essentially guiding my characters along their path, considering their autonomy and reactions. From Christian’s movie, I’m drawn to the satirical elements, the investigation of societal norms, and our own responses to them.

He noted, without explicitly mentioning the title, that since he had already created a very depressing film in the past, he didn’t think there was a need for him to produce another one of a similar nature. It’s plausible that the movie he’s referring to is Eden Lake.

Speak No Evil director defends changing the original's bleak ending

I discovered: “Creating a nail-biting rollercoaster experience filled with thought-provoking themes and topics for post-game discussions over drinks at the local tavern, can undeniably be an enjoyable adventure.”

“People crave entertainment… Entertainment in quotation marks. I’ve observed crowds leaving events exhilarated, as if they had just ridden an amazing roller coaster. My goal was to create a movie that keeps you on edge and has people jumping out of their seats in response.”

Speak No Evil is released in cinemas in the UK on September 12, and in the US on September 13.

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2024-08-31 13:20

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