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{DVD Review} Christian Tafdrup’s Speak No Evil

The original Speak No Evil, directed by Christian Tafdrup, is a chilling exploration of social conventions, moral boundaries, and the terrifying consequences of holding onto parts of polite society a bit too long. It is a bleak but timely film. With its much-anticipated DVD release on December 2, 2024, this Danish horror gem will be talked about for years to come. The American remake was fine. The original could prove to be a classic.

The story introduces us to a reserved Danish family—Bjorn (Morten Burian), Louise (Sidsel Siem Koch), and their daughter, Agnes (Liva Forsberg)—who meet a charming Dutch family while vacationing in Tuscany. What begins as a seemingly innocuous friendship quickly escalates into a nightmare when the Danes accept an invitation to their new friends’ remote home.

Tafdrup’s direction masterfully transforms an idyllic setting into a sinister playground of dread. The camera has such precision it feels almost like a scalpel as it slices through moments of dread and violence as if they were nothing. The performances are pitch-perfect, with Fedja van Huet and Karina Smulders delivering chilling portrayals as their characters’ true intentions unfold. The script cleverly examines societal norms and the uncomfortable dynamics of hospitality, crafting a scenario where silence and politeness become deadly. More than that though there is a lingering and pervasive feeling through Tafdrup’s film that these niceties are archaic and as a result leave our Danish family ill-equipped to handle a world of wonton violence and selfishness.

Critics have compared the film to classics like Funny Games and The Strangers, and for good reason. They are all incredibly bleak. Speak no evil doesn’t quite have Funny Games’ meanness and it isn’t quite as mysterious as the strangers but it manages to be something entirely different, maybe even better. Speak No Evil is an excruciatingly intense experience that forces viewers to confront their own complicity in the characters’ plight. As Radio Times puts it, the film “fully earns its fearsome reputation,” blending psychological horror with moments of visceral brutality.

Special Features: A Deeper Dive into the Terror

The DVD release of Speak No Evil isn’t just about re-experiencing the haunting tale—it’s also packed with special features that offer fans a deeper appreciation for the film’s artistry and chilling narrative. Among the highlights:

  1. Director’s Commentary: Christian Tafdrup provides a riveting commentary track that delves into his inspirations, the film’s themes, and the meticulous effort that went into creating its suffocating tension. Tafdrup’s insights into the characters’ minds and motivations and the real-life social commentary that inspired the story adds an additional layer of unease to the viewing experience. His confidence as a director is on clear display as he points out moments where his vision became a reality.
  2. Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: This comprehensive making-of documentary takes viewers behind the camera to explore the creative process. From set design and cinematography to the actors’ preparation for their demanding roles, the featurette showcases how every detail was carefully crafted to heighten the film’s psychological horror. The BTS section is a little small but thorough and we get to see a lot of the actors personalities which only adds to their tremendous performances.
  3. Deleted and Extended Scenes: These additional scenes provide further context to the story, offering brief glimpses of the characters’ relationships and the subtle cues that foreshadow the horrors to come. I understood why most of these scenes didn’t make the final cut. The final product is a lean and mean machine.
  4. Interviews with the Cast and Crew: The cast discusses their approach to portraying their complex characters, while the crew shares stories about the challenges of creating such an unsettling atmosphere. Hearing from the actors themselves provides a fascinating perspective on the emotional toll of their performances.
  5. Exclusive Short Film by Christian Tafdrup: As an added bonus, the DVD includes a short film directed by Tafdrup that shares thematic similarities with Speak No Evil. This piece serves as a fascinating companion to the main feature, showcasing Tafdrup’s signature style and his knack for blending dread with poignant social commentary. Aspiring filmmakers can find solace that modern filmmakers can use this proof of concept short film as a jumping off point for a successful career in making features.

Conclusion

The Speak No Evil DVD offers an unmissable package for fans of intelligent horror. The DVD comes out from Acorn Media today! Grab your copy today!