‘Speak No Evil’ The chilling remake of the Danish thriller comes home with exclusive bonus content and behind-the-scenes insights
Blumhouse Productions, renowned for its contributions to the horror genre, has delivered yet another hit with its latest release, Speak No Evil, a chilling remake of the 2022 Danish thriller Gæsterne. Collaborating with Universal Pictures, the film has garnered significant attention, raking in an impressive $57 million at the global box office since its release. As audiences continue to be captivated by its haunting narrative, fans will be thrilled to know that the film is set to make its digital debut this week, available for home viewing from October 1, 2024.
Certified “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, Speak No Evil has already made its mark as one of the standout horror films of the year. Directed by James Watkins, the man behind The Woman in Black and Eden Lake, this psychological thriller has been praised for its gripping tension and unsettling atmosphere. Beginning tomorrow, fans can stream the film on popular digital platforms, including Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Movies Anywhere.
For horror aficionados looking for more than just the film itself, the digital release will come packed with exclusive bonus features, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Speak No Evil. These extras are only available when purchased from participating retailers and will offer a deeper dive into the creative process behind the terrifying tale.
Special Features for Digital Release
The digital version of Speak No Evil will include a series of never-before-seen bonus features that explore the film’s intricate storytelling, performances, and production design. Viewers who purchase the film will have access to the following extras:
- Nuclear Families – This feature delves into what attracted lead actors James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis to the project. It provides insights into their unique methods of embodying their roles and explores the nuanced dynamics between the two families at the heart of the story. McAvoy, in particular, offers his thoughts on how the film’s themes of familial loyalty and trust resonate on a universal level.
- A Horrifying Crescendo – Director James Watkins, along with cast members, discusses the dark psychological elements that are woven into the film’s narrative. This feature examines how social discomfort and subtle power dynamics elevate the tension, ultimately leading to the film’s shocking climax. Watkins reflects on how he used grounded horror elements to create an atmosphere of dread that slowly builds to a nerve-wracking finale.
- The Farmhouse of Horrors – Speak No Evil takes place in an isolated countryside setting, and this bonus feature focuses on the production design that transformed a seemingly idyllic farmhouse into a place of nightmares. The cast and crew walk viewers through the haunting location, detailing how they used lighting, camera angles, and set design to heighten the film’s eerie, unsettling mood.
- Feature Commentary with James Watkins – For those who want to dive even deeper into the creative process, this commentary track features director James Watkins discussing his approach to remaking the Danish original, along with his thoughts on the film’s themes and the challenges of balancing psychological horror with intense moments of suspense.
Plot Summary
The Americanized remake of Speak No Evil stays true to the chilling premise of the original Danish film while infusing it with new layers of intensity. The story follows Ben and Louise, an American couple who, along with their young daughter, accept an invitation to spend a weekend at a countryside estate with a British couple they recently befriended. The British couple has a mute son, and what initially seems like an innocent getaway soon takes a dark turn. As the weekend unfolds, Ben and Louise begin to sense that their hosts are hiding something sinister, leading them to fear that their family may be part of a disturbing and twisted plot.
Mackenzie Davis (Terminator: Dark Fate, Happiest Season) and James McAvoy (Split, Glass) deliver standout performances as the central couple, with McAvoy in particular shining in his portrayal of a father torn between suspicion and politeness. Scoot McNairy (Argo) rounds out the cast, adding to the film’s impressive ensemble.
Critical Reception
The film has been well-received by both audiences and critics alike, with particular praise given to the performances and Watkins’ direction. In her review for Bloody Disgusting, Meagan Navarro notes that Watkins remains largely faithful to the original film’s plot but infuses the third act with an extra dose of adrenaline. She writes, “James Watkins, along with a game cast, stays faithful to the source material, for the most part, in this Americanized remake but opts for a much livelier third act that dials up the intensity.” Navarro also remarks that while the film may trade some of its deeper thematic elements for sheer thrills, it ultimately succeeds as a “late summer thrill ride.”
Blu-ray and DVD Release
For collectors and those who prefer physical media, Speak No Evil will be available on Blu-ray and DVD starting November 19, 2024. This release will include all the bonus features found in the digital version, ensuring fans can fully immerse themselves in the world of Speak No Evil.
With its mix of psychological depth, unsettling tension, and shocking twists, Speak No Evil has firmly established itself as a modern horror classic. As it heads to digital platforms, fans who missed its theatrical run can now experience the terror from the comfort of their homes, making it a must-watch for horror lovers this fall.