“Speak No Evil” is bringing Halloween vibes early to 2024! This horror film, a remake of the 2022 Danish title of the same name, left audiences terrified not only for its unique concept but also for its shocking and twisted conclusion.
This time, James McAvoy takes the lead, returning to his dark roles as Paddy, a seemingly good father and partner who invites a family he met on holiday to his country house—only for his sinister plans to gradually unfold, leaving his unsuspecting guests in a nightmare they couldn’t foresee.
The cruelty of the story is so intense that it’s natural to wonder if such a horrifying tale could be rooted in real life. Here’s what the director of the original production said about its inspiration.
Holidays and strangers: The true story that inspired James McAvoy’s ‘Speak No Evil’
While “Speak No Evil” feels like something straight out of a nightmare, it doesn’t rely on any paranormal elements to keep you up at night. So, how did such a dark and disturbing plot come to life? The original movie’s creator, Christian Tafdrup, shed some light on the inspiration behind the film.
Tafdrup became a horror sensation with the release of his terrifying title in 2022. Naturally, the media quickly inquired about the creative process behind such a chilling story, and he provided some intriguing insights.
In an interview with Dread Central, Tafdrup revealed that his childhood was somewhat similar to that of the picture’s victims. He traveled extensively with his parents, meeting people from different countries. Some of these connections faded, while others endured. However, one encounter as an adult left a lasting impression.
While on holiday with his girlfriend and daughter, Tafdrup met a couple who, despite barely knowing them, immediately invited them to their home. Although he declined, the question lingered: what if he had said yes?
This unsettling “what if” scenario became the seed for “Speak No Evil”—a story about the dangers of ignoring your instincts and blindly trusting strangers. To see how this eerie tale unfolds, catch James McAvoy’s version in theaters. If you’re curious about the original 2022 production, you can stream it on AMC Plus Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, Shudder, Shudder Amazon Channel, and Shudder Apple TV Channel, according to JustWatch.
