Shudder's original psychological horror movie Speak No Evil left a lasting impression on audiences when it premiered in 2022. The Danish-led production was one of the most talked about genre entries of the year, leaving audiences shocked and stunned. The film won Best International Film at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards and spawned a 2024 Hollywood remake starring James McAvoy.

Speak No Evil follows the story of two families who meet during a summer vacation in Tuscany, Italy. Bjørn, Louise (Morten Burian and Sidsel Siem Koch) and their young daughter Agnes – a reserved Danish family – soon become friends with an outgoing Dutch couple Patrick and Karin (Fedja van Huêt and Karina Smulders), who are on holiday with their young boy, Abel. As the festivities come to a conclusion, the two families say their goodbyes and return home. Months later, Patrick and Karin offer an invitation to their new-found friends for a weekend getaway at their countryside retreat. What begins as a well-spirited re-connection soon turns into a dangerous retreat as the true, disturbing nature of the hosts unravels.

Those looking for a high-octane, scare-fest won't be satisfied here as the film adopts a slow-burn approach that delves deeply into its dark thematic elements. However, it's a film that delivers a psychological pressure cooker, exploring the darkest corners of social anxiety and polite confrontation. It also beckons the audience to confront its themes and begs the question: what would you do in this situation?

Director Christian Tafdrup does a great job in building tension and a sense of dread throughout, which creates an unease in the viewer. The constant escalation of uncomfortable, bizarre, and inappropriate interactions between the families is the driving force of the film, and this narrative allows the director to delve deeply into his underlying themes. These sequences and interactions are elevated by a combination of subtle, drawn-out shots, sustained silences and foreboding musical touches.

Speak No Evil leaves audiences on the edge of their seat with the promise of something dark on the horizon. To some, this might prove frustrating as it takes some time to fully unpack the more disturbing elements. However, some will find appreciation in the psychological discomfort and overwhelming sense of dread – a dread rooted in anticipation and a feeling that something is fundamentally wrong with this idyllic setting and its hosts.

Despite some really solid work on and off the screen, the film will undoubtedly be judged on its culmination. Without spoiling the specifics, the final act delivers a horrifying and brutal payoff that radically shifts the film's tone from psychological drama to full-blown visceral horror. For some, the film's ending will feel earned and deliver a fitting conclusion that provides a twisted answer to its devastating commentary. For others, it will be an infuriating watch that will likely have them screaming some explicit and choice words at the screen. Despite that, there is no doubting that Speak No Evil will leave a lasting impression long after the credits have rolled.

Limited Edition Blu-ray Special Features

High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
Brand new audio commentary with co-writer/director Christian Tafdrup and co-writer Mads Tafdrup, recorded exclusively for Arrow Video in 2025
Six never-before-seen deleted scenes with optional commentary by co-writer/director Christian Tafdrup and co-writer Mads Tafdrup
Tragedy of Manners, a brand new video essay by filmmaker Jen Handorf investigating the illusions of safety within civility
Original trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Time Tomorrow
Illustrated collectors' booklet featuring new writing on the film by Tori Potenza and Natasha Ball