Hi all!

Welcome back to a fun segment on my blog, where I pit an original horror against its remake and discuss which one I personally believe is better. You can check out the dedicated category here. There will be a few factors to take into consideration: a.) Does the remake improve the original story, b.) Is the original already so superior, the remake is quite irrelevant and c.) Do both films exist side-by-side, complementing one another in horror cinematic history? For my seventh subject, I’m tackling Christian Tafdrup’s, Speak No Evil from 2022 and James Watkin’s reboot from 2024. These movies follow a family on vacation, who meet another family; forming a fast friendship. Months later, the families reunite, but it doesn’t take long before the joy of reunion is replaced with misunderstandings. Remember, it’s okay if we don’t agree. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Round #1 – Improvement

My biggest issue with the original was its extremely dark and bleak ending. I was very depressed; unable to give it a rating higher than 3/5 stars. When I saw that the 2024 remake completely changed the ending (no spoilers), I was thrilled. It was executed perfectly and so satisfying to the viewer – a feeling you do not get in the original film. Therefore, in my opinion, the remake improved the story. I also preferred the acting and cinematography. The performances by every single actor in James Watkin’s version were phenomenal. 

Winner – Speak No Evil 2024

Round #2 – Relevance

Is the remake irrelevant because the original is already so superior? Absolutely not! Do I think we needed the American version? No. However, because the ending was significantly improved upon (see above), I enjoyed the story of Speak No Evil so much more. I appreciate everything the Danish version brought to screen, it just felt more fleshed-out in the remake. 

Winner – Speak No Evil 2024

Round #3 – Cohesion 

Can both versions exist side-by-side in horror cinematic history? Yes. I have no doubt there are a of people who prefer the original over the remake. After all, it was the one that came first. However, the remake is for those of us that weren’t able to overcome the Danish ending. I also believe it’s a fantastic story, with such a unique premise, it deserved to be remade for a more mainstream audience. Now everybody can enjoy both, for different reasons. 

Winner – Speak No Evil 2022 & Speak No Evil 2024

THE WINNER IS: Speak No Evil 2024

I definitely prefer the remake. It was my favourite horror movie of 2024! 

Thank you so much for reading! I’ll be back next time to tackle The Fog.

Peace & Love xoxo