Speak No Evil Parental Guidance Review and Ratings. Age rating, objectionable content, positive messages, cast overview, and family suitability.
- VERDICT: Speak No Evil is not suitable for younger teenagers but still moderate for age 15 upwards.
- Release date: September 9, 2022
- Director: Christian Tafdrup
- Writer: Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup
- Stars: Morten Burian, Sidsel Siem Koch, Fedja van Huêt, Karina Smulders, Liva Forsberg, Marius Damslev
- Genre: Horror / Thriller
- Rating: Not Rated
Speak No Evil
Speak No Evil is a 2022 Danish horror film directed by Christian Tafdrup. The film follows a Danish couple, Bjorn and Louise, who are invited to stay with a Dutch couple, Patrick and Karin, they met on vacation. However, the visit soon takes a sinister turn, and the Danish couple find themselves trapped in a nightmare.
The film is a slow-burning psychological thriller that builds tension gradually. The characters are well-developed, and the performances are excellent. The film is also beautifully shot, with a cold and icy atmosphere that perfectly complements the story.
The film’s central theme is the dangers of politeness. The Danish couple are so concerned with being polite that they ignore their instincts and allow themselves to be manipulated by the Dutch couple. This is a powerful reminder that politeness can be used as a weapon, and that it can be dangerous to be too trusting.
Speak No Evil is a disturbing and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. It’s not a film for everyone, but if you’re a fan of slow-burning psychological thrillers, then you’ll definitely want to check it out.
At the same time, what about your family? How family-riendly could the film be? Let’s find out below before you conclude on what your next step will be.
Age Rating and Content Warnings
“Speak No Evil” is not officially rated by by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) in the US. But nevertheless, the movie contains elements of violence, profanity, sexuality, peril, and thematic elements. It is important for parents to consider these factors when determining the suitability of the film for their children.
Potentially Objectionable Content
Sex & Nudity
The movie “Speak No Evil” contains moderate sexual content that parents should be aware of before allowing their children to watch.
- A couple is seen trying to have sex, but no nudity is shown.
- Full frontal nudity is shown at the end of the film, with both male and female private parts visible.
- A couple is seen lying dead and naked with severe injuries.
- A couple kiss in bed after the woman gets out of the shower, and they proceed to make love. The husband briefly shows his bare buttocks while removing his underwear. In a close-up shot, they kiss as he thrusts and moans. However, their intimate moment is interrupted when their daughter yells from another room, and the husband discovers another man watching through the window.
- A young girl is found sleeping next to a drunk and nude couple by her mother.
Violence & Gore
The movie “Speak No Evil” contains severe violence and gore, particularly towards the end of the film.
- There is minimal violence during the first 80% of the movie.
- Verbal abuse is present in some scenes.
- There are instances of domestic violence, where the father jerks and shouts at his son.
- The film includes explicit and graphic scenes of violence.
- In a particularly disturbing scene, a child has her tongue cut off in front of her screaming parents. This scene is highly graphic and unsettling.
- A couple is stoned to death in a very graphic and prolonged scene near the end of the movie.
- A young seemingly mute boy is yelled at and abused by his parent on multiple occasions.
Profanity
The use of profanity in “Speak No Evil” is moderate, and parents should take note of the following language.
- A few uses of words such as f*ck, f*cking, and hell are present in the dialogue.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Parents should be aware that “Speak No Evil” features moderate depictions of alcohol, drugs, and smoking.
- There is a significant amount of alcohol consumption throughout the movie.
- One of the lead characters smokes cigarettes.
- A man is shown drinking and driving, swerving dangerously on the road.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
The movie “Speak No Evil” contains several scenes that are both frightening and intense.
- Graphic and disturbing violence is predominantly depicted towards the end of the movie.
- There is an extremely disturbing scene involving harm to a child. A woman forces a mother to give her daughter, while another man restrains her. The woman uses a pair of scissors to cut off the young girl’s tongue, with close-up shots and graphic detail. The daughter screams, blood spills from her mouth, and she is forcibly taken away. The husband vomits while being beaten by the man driving the car, before they drive off without the daughter. The husband and wife scream in terror.
- A young boy is found drowned in a tub in a shed, floating face down.
- A boy, who is said to make a certain crying sound due to lacking a tongue, is heard crying along with sounds of a grunting adult man and a creaking bed. The child is taken from the room, and when a character follows slowly after, he discovers the boy drowned. There is evidence that the man we heard will replace the boy, and it is implied that the daughter has already been introduced to him.
What You Should Know
1. What is the age rating for “Speak No Evil”?
The movie “Speak No Evil” has not been officially rated. However, based on its explicit sexual content, graphic violence, and disturbing themes, it is recommended for mature audiences only.
2. Is there any nudity in the movie?
Yes, there are instances of nudity in “Speak No Evil.” There is full frontal nudity shown at the end of the film, with both male and female private parts visible. Additionally, there are scenes where a couple is seen lying dead and naked with severe injuries.
3. Does the movie contain scenes of violence?
Yes, “Speak No Evil” includes scenes of explicit and graphic violence. While the majority of the movie has minimal violence, the final portion features disturbing and intense violent sequences, including the stoning of a couple and a child having her tongue cut off in front of her parents.
4. What kind of profanity can be found in the movie?
The use of profanity in “Speak No Evil” is moderate. There are a few instances of words such as f*ck, f*cking, and hell used in the dialogue.
5. Are there any depictions of alcohol, drugs, or smoking?
Yes, “Speak No Evil” features moderate depictions of alcohol, drugs, and smoking. There is a significant amount of alcohol consumption throughout the movie, one of the lead characters smokes cigarettes, and there is a scene where a man is shown drinking and driving dangerously.
6. Are there any frightening or intense scenes in the movie?
Yes, “Speak No Evil” contains several frightening and intense scenes. Towards the end of the film, there are graphic and disturbing scenes of violence. There is also a highly disturbing scene involving harm to a child, where her tongue is cut off, and a scene where a young boy is found drowned in a shed.
7. Is “Speak No Evil” suitable for younger children?
No, “Speak No Evil” is not suitable for younger children due to its explicit sexual content, graphic violence, and disturbing themes. The movie is intended for mature audiences only and may be highly distressing and inappropriate for younger viewers.
8. Can teenagers watch “Speak No Evil”?
The suitability of “Speak No Evil” for teenagers depends on their maturity level and the discretion of their parents. However, parents should be aware of the explicit content, violence, and disturbing scenes present in the movie before allowing their teenagers to watch it.
9. Is there any positive messaging in the movie?
While “Speak No Evil” deals with dark and disturbing themes, it may contain underlying messages or commentary on various aspects of society. However, due to its explicit and intense content, the positive messaging might be overshadowed and may not be the primary focus of the movie.
10. How can I determine if “Speak No Evil” is suitable for my child?
As a parent, it is crucial to make an informed decision regarding your child’s exposure to “Speak No Evil.” Consider the movie’s explicit sexual content, graphic violence, profanity, and disturbing scenes. Assess your child’s maturity level and their ability to handle such content before deciding whether the movie is appropriate for them.
The Verdict
“Speak No Evil” is not recommended for children or young teenagers due to its explicit sexual content, graphic violence, profanity, and intense scenes.
The movie deals with disturbing themes that may be highly distressing and inappropriate for younger audiences. Parents are advised to exercise caution and consider the movie’s content before deciding whether it is suitable for their older teenage children.
It is important to note that the movie has an age rating that restricts viewership to mature audiences.