A fresh take on horror: ‘Speak No Evil’ reimagined
Spoiler Alert: This article delves into plot details of “Speak No Evil,” currently in theaters.
Crafting a new vision
When director James Watkins embarked on the journey to reimagine the 2022 Danish horror film “Speak No Evil,” he had a clear vision and a specific actor in mind. The role of the deluded, deranged father was tailor-made for James McAvoy. Watkins reflects, “I could see McAvoy embodying this character perfectly.”
The remake centers on a British family, portrayed by McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi, who invite an American family, played by Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, to their secluded countryside home. As the American family begins to sense that things are not as they seem, chaos ensues.
The allure of remaking a foreign film
Watkins had previously turned down offers to remake films, but “Speak No Evil” struck a chord with him. He explains, “You have to love the original material and see a way to bring something new to it. Otherwise, there’s no point in remaking it.”
Watkins was captivated by the original film’s bleakness and powerful ending. He saw an opportunity to build on these themes while adding his unique touch. Relocating the story to the U.K. was a crucial first step. ”I wanted to make it real, with characters I could relate to,” he says.
Cultural collisions
The original film explored the cultural differences between a Dutch and Danish family. Watkins translated these themes to a U.K. and American context. He notes, “There’s a cliché that Americans are open and Brits are repressed, but there’s also a type of Brit who is very in-your-face, and a type of American who is quite repressed.”
This cultural collision adds a new layer to the story, enriching the themes and character dynamics.
The writing process
Building on an existing story can be both a blessing and a challenge. Watkins found it helpful to have a foundation to work from. “A lot of heavy lifting has already been done,” he admits. He aimed to infuse more humor into the story, drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Ruben Ostlund and shows like “White Lotus.”
Watkins likens the original film to an acoustic album and his version to an electric guitar cover. “It’s a different key, but it honors the original,” he says.
A new ending
One of the significant changes Watkins made was to the ending. The original film’s conclusion was a commentary on how polite society can shackle individuals. Watkins wanted to explore this theme earlier in the story and build on it. He explains, “I wanted to show that the tropes of masculinity are nonsense and that strength is not gendered.”
The new ending is not a fairy tale resolution but a more nuanced and realistic conclusion. “It’s a European version of a Hollywood ending,” Watkins says. “It’s not triumphant, but it’s not bleak either.”
The quick turnaround
The Danish film was released in 2022, and the remake followed swiftly. Watkins believes that a good story is worth retelling, regardless of timing. “The two films can coexist and have a conversation with each other,” he asserts.
Working with James McAvoy
Watkins speaks highly of McAvoy, calling him “possibly the most talented actor I’ve ever worked with.” McAvoy’s ability to immerse himself in a role and bring depth to his characters made him the perfect choice for the film.
Watkins had McAvoy in mind from the beginning. “I didn’t have a plan B,” he admits. ”When I was writing, I could see McAvoy playing this character.”
The ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ moment
One of the film’s standout scenes features the song “Cotton Eye Joe.” Watkins reveals that while the song may not have been explicitly written into the script, it was always in his mind. “The earworm of it, and the fact that we’re on a farm, made it a perfect fit,” he explains.
Balancing the reveal
Trailers often walk a fine line between enticing audiences and revealing too much. Watkins acknowledges that filmmakers don’t always have control over trailers. “It’s a different creative part of our industry,” he says. “These people are skilled at their jobs and know how to draw people in.”
Final thoughts
“Speak No Evil” is a testament to the power of storytelling and the art of reimagining a narrative. Watkins’ version brings new life to the original, offering a fresh perspective while honoring its roots. For those intrigued by the film, you can watch the trailer and learn more about it here.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.