Invitation to Terror: Navigating Nightmares

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MOVIE REVIEW
Speak No Evil
–

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Christian Tafdrup
Writer(s): Christian Tafdrup, Mads Tafdrup
Cast: Morten Burian, Sidsel Siem Koch, Fedja van Huêt, Karina Smulders, Marius Damslev, Liva Forsberg, Hichem Yacoubi, Lea Baastrup Rønne, Jesper Dupont
Where To Watch: available on DVD December 2, 2024 from Acorn Media International

RAVING REVIEW: SPEAK NO EVIL delves into the eerie corridors of human interaction, transforming a pleasant encounter into an ordeal draped in shadows. Under Christian Tafdrup's direction, this film dances a fine line between the world we live in and psychological horror, taking what starts as a routine visit between families and spiraling it into a canvas streaked with tension and mystery. As this Danish thriller unfolds, it challenges the audience's comfort levels by pushing the boundaries of politeness to their breaking point.

This journey into discomfort begins disarmingly simple. After a holiday visit, a Danish family accepts an invitation to the Dutch countryside, expecting a friendly reunion. However, as their hosts' behavior begins to twist into increasingly strange and threatening forms, the storyline thickens. The film’s refusal to unravel the sinister motives lurking behind these actions keeps the audience guessing, lending a hauntingly ambiguous tone to the unfolding drama.

Drawing from a hauntingly plausible 'what if' scenario, inspired by Tafdrup's chance meeting with a peculiar couple, the narrative injects a chilling dose of realism into its plot. This blurring of reality and fiction enhances the story's grip and anchors the fears it explores in a disturbingly believable world.

Performances amplify the natural tension in SPEAK NO EVIL. The other Danish couple, Morten Burian and Sidsel Siem Koch capture the growing unease and desperation when cordiality turns cagey. Their interactions with their Dutch hosts, portrayed with a charm by Fedja van Huêt and Karina Smulders, drive the film's central conflict, creating a palpable sense of dread that crescendos throughout the narrative.

Visually, the film effectively uses its setting, employing a mix of tight handheld shots and broad aerial views to create a claustrophobic yet expansive atmosphere. Erik Molberg Hansen’s cinematography captures both the idyllic and the sinister, contrasting the rural tranquility with the psychological tension that simmers beneath the surface.

The deliberate pacing of SPEAK NO EVIL, characteristic of the slow-burn genre, crafts suspense from ordinary moments gone awry. Each polite smile and awkward silence is laden with potential peril, building a wall of dread that challenges the audience's perceptions of normalcy and threat.

However, the film's slow revelation and psychological depth might only cater to some. While intriguing, its ambiguity can frustrate viewers craving more apparent resolutions or explicit storytelling. The protagonists' climactic decisions might stretch believability for some, leaving key questions tantalizingly unanswered.

While SPEAK NO EVIL strives to carve out a unique space within the psychological thriller genre, it fails to meet its ambitious goals. The film’s attempt to delve into the dark corners of human nature and the dangers of ignoring one’s instincts amidst pressure is evident. Still, these themes do not fully resonate due to the movie's execution. Although it aims to provoke thought about the fragility of civility and the hidden depths of societal interactions, the film struggles to maintain a grip on the audience, often losing its impact amid a muddled plot and thinly sketched characters.

It serves as a reminder of how quickly the façade of politeness can crumble, revealing the darker instincts hidden beneath. However, its delivery is hampered by pacing issues and a climax that stretches, leaving the viewer more perplexed than intrigued. The film’s haunting ambiguity, intended to add depth, often leaves critical plot points frustratingly undeveloped, undermining its potential to engage or disturb indeed. While it might stir some discussion, the film does not sustain the compelling or cohesive tension expected from top-tier entries in the thriller genre.

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[photo courtesy of ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]

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