You’ve seen the 2022 Danish film of the same name. You think you know how this goes. Right? Hmm.
The film starts with a happy couple, Louise and Ben Dalton with their prepubescent daughter Agnes on vacation. They go through the motions as tourists, before crossing paths with a fellow tourist couple, Paddy and Ciara – and with them, a little boy named Ant who has…speech problems.
The two couples become fast friends, and Ant and Agnes seem to get along too. In fact, they become so close to the point where Paddy and Ciara invite the Daltons to spend the weekend together at their country estate.
What begins as a fun and charming holiday with new friends soon takes a menacing, disturbing turn as Paddy and Ciara begin exhibiting violent and sinister behaviour…
Now at this point, the premise is fairly identical to the Danish version.
Gentle and doting Louise is played by Mackenzie Davis (The Martian, Blade Runner 2049), while passive Ben is played by Scott McNairy (Gone Girl, 12 Years a Slave).
Paddy and Ciara, on the other hand, are played by James McAvoy (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, It Chapter Two) and Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale, Game of Thrones).
Just looking at the stacked cast, you can expect powerhouse performances and know right away that you will be in for a good time. Filming, on the other hand, took place in the lovely England countryside, distracting you with its serene and panoramic views, masking the horrors taking place.
It’s important to know that this remake works just as well as a standalone, although it is recommended for you to watch the original Danish one just to draw fun comparisons.
And the most important lesson to learn here is, don’t be a people-pleaser. And hey, learning to say ‘no’ once in a while won’t hurt either.
*Cover image via Universal Pictures