Speak No Evil

The film has a great start. The WTF moments start to appear here and there and you get on that "what the hell is going to happen" ride and you enjoy it as a viewer and you think you are in for a treat. The first part of the film has plenty of these to drag you in, leave your room and be there with them and feel those subtle signs that something is very wrong and then I hated it, worst victims ever.

1st half - it was so uncomfortable to watch that I loved it; 2nd half - the victims have ruined that amazing atmosphere built in the 1st half.

Overall, I am just disappointed because it had the potential to be a great horror film without ghosts, evil spirits just mean intentions and pure terror.

It's a 6 for me just for the 1st half.

An uptight couple are invited to spend the weekend with another couple they befriended on holiday. As the movie's ominous score will let you know, things get weird.

Many have compared this to Michael Haneke's work, but it's no pale imitation. Shot composition, camera and lighting is all excellent. The sound design is superb - subtle and very detailed. Everyone acts well.

Apparently, some people dislike the film because there is no 'common sense' or whatever, but I saw a movie that uses plot contrivances to illustrate its meta-narrative points of parenthood, cowardice, selfishness and heroism.

I almost gave it an 8, but it could have gone even further with its cruelty and explored the themes more. There was stuff left to do.

If you want fun and thrills - avoid. It's slow, bleak and heartless. But if you want an intelligent, well-structured and thoughtful horror movie, it's a good 'un.

Seen during the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.

This probably isn't the best review you'll read as it's been a while since I've posted anything. However, for this film, I'm happy to make the effort.

Words cannot describe how uncomfortable I felt watching the film. The social awkwardness, miscommunication and remote setting make this a very uncomfortable movie to watch. Not to mention the last 30 minutes, where the film turns from a psychological thriller to a twisted horror with horrendous graphic violence (I mean that in the good sense).

I was not yet familiar with Christian Tafdrup's work, but he is definitely putting himself on the map with this film.

Suitable for: People who don't want to sleep at night and have had a lot of fun watching movies like Hereditary and Midsommar.

Not suitable for: People who are going to watch this with their partner. You will get bruises and tears will flow.

PS. I'm from the Netherlands myself, and we're not that bad. As long as you do what we say.

A good story that reminds us all that it's good to be polite and kind to others. BUT don't allow it to blind you from red flags or anything that could be dangerous to you or your loved ones.

Which is fitting for the title "speak no evil", as the family tries it's hardest not to say anything to offend their new friends or speak badly of them.

It's frustrating to watch at times but if you can remind yourself of the Intent of the film and it's message. It becomes less frustrating.

Overall though a good horror movie to watch, as long as you don't mind seeing children getting hurt and pretty damn dark moments.

I'm Danish, so there is a certain amount of pride in seeing a Danish film receive high marks.

Unfortunately, I don't think the movie deserves it.

It isn't bad, but I thought there were a bit too many things that just didn't make sense. I know horror film and thrillers have to have the characters make decisions you probably wouldn't have ever done, but I think they took it a bit too far here. I won't spoil anything, but if you see it, ask yourself: when would I have gotten in the car and hauled ass back to Denmark?