Before starring alongside Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber in Netflix’s The Perfect Couple, Eve Hewson had already made a name for herself with several notable roles. The real-life daughter of U2’s Bono, Hewson first captured attention as Marian in the 2018 film Robin Hood.
She further demonstrated her acting prowess in the 2021 drama series Behind Her Eyes, where she played Adele. However, it was her role in Apple TV+’s Bad Sisters that truly established her as a standout talent in the acting world.
This dark comedy series, which premiered its first season in 2022, has attracted audiences with its blend of humor and macabre themes, making it a must-watch show that deserves more recognition.
What Is Bad Sisters About?
Bad Sisters begins with a flashback to a family Christmas with the Garvey sisters, who became orphans many years earlier. The loss of their parents has had a profound impact on each sister, shaping their lives and relationships in different ways.
Now adults, the sisters are inseparable, supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. The series opens with Grace (Anne-Marie Duff) being married to John Paul (Claes Bang), a character whom the other sisters have dubbed “the Prick.”
Their disdain for John Paul is clear, as they often joke about various ways they would like to see him dead, given his toxic influence on Grace and their family.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn with a flash-forward that reveals John Paul is dead. This revelation sets the stage for the unfolding mystery: who among the sisters is responsible for his death?
Still from The Perfect Couple (Credit: Apple TV+)
The series employs alternating timelines to show the backstory and motivations of each character, gradually revealing that John Paul’s abusive behavior and the sisters’ resentment towards him make his death a complex and layered issue.
As the plot unravels, it becomes increasingly clear that the sisters had been contemplating his demise for some time. The central mystery—who actually executed the plan to kill John Paul—drives the tension and intrigue throughout the series.
The Unique Charm of Bad Sisters
The series skillfully blends dark themes with sardonic humor, creating a attractive viewing experience. The character of John Paul is portrayed as genuinely abusive, and his actions throughout the series showcase his negative impact on the family.
The humor arises from the sisters’ interactions and their attempts to deal with John Paul’s presence and eventual death. Each sister brings her own distinctive qualities to the show, enriching the narrative with their individual stories and perspectives.
Eva (Sharon Horgan) is the eldest sister, known for her unwavering commitment to protecting her siblings. Despite her best efforts, she struggles with infertility, which has deeply affected her relationships and sense of self.
Grace, on the other hand, endures a troubled marriage to John Paul, finding herself increasingly trapped in a difficult situation until his death provides a potential escape. Ursula (Eva Birthistle) appears to have a perfect family but is embroiled in an extramarital affair, creating tension within her own household.
Bibi (Sarah Greene) is a bitter woman with a mysterious eye patch, and her backstory is revealed gradually throughout the season.
Finally, Becka, portrayed by Eve Hewson, is the youngest sister and represents a free-spirited contrast to her more conventional siblings. Her role adds a unique dynamic to the family’s interactions and the full plot.
Eve Hewson’s Standout Performance
Eve Hewson’s portrayal of Becka is one of the highlights of Bad Sisters. Becka is characterized by her quirky, lighthearted demeanor and her career as a massage therapist. Despite her seemingly carefree attitude, Becka has ambitious plans to open her own studio.
When John Paul expresses interest in financing her studio but later withdraws his support, Becka gains a motive for wanting him gone. Hewson’s performance captures Becka’s charm and vulnerability, making her character both endearing and intriguing.
Becka’s romantic entanglement with Matt (Daryl McCormack), an insurance agent investigating John Paul’s death, adds another layer of drama to the story. Becka’s initial attraction to Matt and her subsequent discovery of his true profession creates a complex dynamic that further complicates her life.
Even after learning about Matt’s job, Becka’s emotional attachment to him continues to influence her decisions. Hewson’s portrayal of Becka as a character who is both loving and flawed is a testament to her acting skills. Becka’s decisions often lead to unintended complications, but Hewson manages to keep her character grounded and relatable.
The Emotional Depth of Bad Sisters
Bad Sisters is more than just a dark comedy; it goes into the emotional and psychological impact of grief and family dynamics. The show presents a nuanced portrayal of how the Garvey sisters cope with their shared trauma and the challenges they face. The series’ shows of themes such as abuse, infertility, and infidelity adds depth to the characters and their interactions.
One particularly poignant moment in the series is a conversation between Eva and her sisters in the Season 1 finale. This scene highlights the emotional weight of their experiences and the bond they share as a family.
The show balances these intense moments with humor and wit, creating a viewing experience that is both heart-wrenching and entertaining.
The Appeal of Bad Sisters
The appeal of Bad Sisters lies in its ability to combine dark and comedic elements in a way that keeps viewers engaged. The series features a mix of cringeworthy and thrilling scenes, as the sisters’ various plans to eliminate John Paul often go awry.
Still from The Perfect Couple (Credit: Apple TV+)
The mystery of who ultimately carried out the plan adds suspense, while the humor provides a lighter counterpoint to the darker aspects of the story.
The beautiful setting of Ireland serves as a picturesque backdrop for the series, enhancing the full atmosphere and tone.
Despite its quality and critical acclaim, including three Emmy nominations, Bad Sisters may not have received as much attention as it deserves. The show’s success is evident in its nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Drama and Outstanding Directing, reflecting the strength of its storytelling and execution.
Looking Ahead
With Season 2 of Bad Sisters set to premiere on November 13, there is plenty of time for viewers to catch up on the series and appreciate Hewson’s outstanding performance before the new episodes arrive.
The anticipation for the next season is high, and fans can look forward to more of the intriguing plot twists and character developments that have made the show a standout in the dark comedy genre.
Season 1 of Bad Sisters is available to stream on Apple TV+ in the U.S., offering an opportunity to experience Eve Hewson’s exceptional work and the compelling story of the Garvey sisters.
As the series prepares for its return, it promises to continue delivering the blend of humor and drama that has attracted audiences and earned critical acclaim.
Summary
Bad Sisters is a dark comedy series featuring Eve Hewson as Becka, the quirky youngest sister. The show mixes humor and drama as the Garvey sisters show family secrets and John Paul’s death. Season 1 is available on Apple TV+, with Season 2 premiering on November 13.
Still from The Perfect Couple (Credit: Apple TV+)
Bad Sisters blends dark comedy with drama, showcasing Eve Hewson as Becka, the youngest of five sisters. The show shows family secrets and the mystery behind John Paul’s death. With its unique mix of humor and suspense, it’s a must-watch, with Season 2 premiering on November 13.
The horror genre has long been filled with English-language remakes of popular films from other countries. Unfortunately, many of these remakes don’t quite live up to the quality of the original versions.
For example, Quarantine doesn’t manage to capture the gritty realism of the Spanish film Rec, and The Uninvited falls short when compared to the South Korean film A Tale of Two Sisters.
While some remakes manage to be decent, like The Ring, or in rare cases, you have a master director creating a shot-for-shot remake of their own film, as with Michael Haneke’s Funny Games, the original versions still tend to be superior.
Even when the remake is done well, more often than not, the original movie holds up better and is the preferred version. The idea of remaking a movie, whether it’s decades later or even just two years after the original’s release, often puts the remake in a tough spot before it even hits theaters.
This trend of remakes continues today, and Blumhouse, a well-known horror production company, is no stranger to it. They jumped on board when Speak No Evil, a 2022 horror film co-produced by Denmark and the Netherlands, was released and received glowing reviews from both critics and horror fans.
The 2022 version of Speak No Evil is brutal, relentless, and hard to watch at times, offering a disturbing look at human nature. It shows how the rules of polite society and our need to connect with others can sometimes lead us down dangerous paths.
In 2024, the English-language remake of this film, directed by James Watkins and produced by Jason Blum, was released. While the remake tries to stay true to the original, it lacks the same intensity. The 2022 version felt like it was shouting its message loudly, while the 2024 remake barely manages to whisper in comparison.
What Is ‘Speak No Evil’ About?
The story of Speak No Evil revolves around Ben (played by Scoot McNairy) and Louise (played by Makenzie Davis), an American couple struggling to adjust to life in London. They are having a hard time getting used to living in the UK, and their life seems to be filled with frustration.
To escape their problems, they take their 11-year-old daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler), on a holiday to Italy. The couple hopes that the vacation will help them reconnect and remind them of the benefits of living in Europe.
Still from Sleep No Evil (Credit: Universal Pictures)
During their trip, they meet a British family consisting of Paddy (James McAvoy), his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their son Ant (Dan Hough). Ant has a medical condition that causes his tongue to be much smaller than normal, which leaves him unable to speak.
From the very start, it is clear that Ben is jealous of Paddy’s carefree and easygoing attitude. Ben and Louise are both drawn to Paddy and Ciara’s hedonistic lifestyle, but at the same time, they feel uncomfortable around them. The British couple ignores many social norms and behaves in ways that make Ben and Louise uneasy.
Despite these red flags, Ben and Louise feel intrigued by their new friends. After returning to London, they receive a postcard from Paddy and Ciara, inviting them to spend a weekend at their secluded home in the English countryside.
While Louise is hesitant to accept the invitation, she eventually agrees, hoping that the trip might lift Ben’s spirits. Ben has been feeling down due to his inability to find a new job, and Louise thinks the weekend getaway could help him feel better.
However, from the moment they arrive, things seem off. Paddy and Ciara are much stranger than Ben and Louise remember. Paddy is even more obnoxious and forces Louise to eat goose, even though she has told him she’s a vegetarian.
Ciara also fails to mention that a man who barely speaks English will be babysitting the children. As the weekend continues, Ant tries to communicate something important to Agnes, but because of his speech issues, he is unable to do so.
Instead, he shows her his father’s collection of watches, one of which has an inscription in a foreign language. As Paddy and Ciara’s behavior becomes more inappropriate, they always have some excuse or traumatic story to explain it.
But when Paddy begins verbally abusing his son in front of Ben and Louise, and Ant finally manages to express his distress to Agnes, Ben and Louise come to the horrifying realization that their new friends are much more dangerous than they initially thought.
The Remake Fails to Match the Original
While it is important to judge every film based on its own strengths and weaknesses, it is difficult to watch the 2024 remake of Speak No Evil without comparing it to the original 2022 version. The main question surrounding the remake is whether or not it can live up to the original or at least offer something new and different.
This can be easier when a remake is done for a new generation, but in this case, the original film was released only two years ago. The only real difference between the two versions is the language. However, even in the original, much of the dialogue is already spoken in English, since the couples come from different countries and English is their shared language.
In fact, the choice to have every character speak English in the 2024 remake takes away one of the elements that made the original film so tense. In the 2022 version, the Danish family—Bjørn (Morten Burian), Louise (Sidsel Siem Koch), and Agnes (Liva Forsberg)—can speak to each other in their native language without the other couple, Patrick (Fedja van Huêt) and Karin (Karina Smulders), understanding.
Still from Sleep No Evil (Credit: Universal Pictures)
This lets the audience feel more connected to the Danish family and aware of their fears. On the other hand, when Patrick and Karin speak in Dutch, there are no subtitles provided, which creates a sense of alienation for the audience.
The language barrier added an extra layer of tension in the original, which is lost in the remake where everyone speaks the same language.
As a result, there was no real need for an American remake. The Danish version of Speak No Evil was already an exceptional film and one of the most heartbreaking horror films in recent years. It’s hard to imagine how the remake could improve on that.
2024’s ‘Speak No Evil’ Lacks Tension and Atmosphere
One of the biggest reasons the original 2022 version of Speak No Evil worked so well was its ability to create a constant sense of tension and dread. From the moment the film begins, there is a feeling that something is very wrong, and this feeling only grows as the movie progresses.
The atmosphere of the original is thick with unease, making the audience feel as though they are on the edge of their seats the entire time. Unfortunately, this sense of tension is noticeably missing in the 2024 remake.
Much of the responsibility for creating fear is placed on James McAvoy’s character, Paddy, but his performance doesn’t quite deliver the necessary tension.
In the original film, you feel as though you are watching the climax of a movie, but stretched out over the entire runtime. The sense of danger is always present. However, in the remake, the danger feels less immediate.
It’s hard to believe that Paddy and Ciara are truly evil until the movie takes a turn toward a more predictable home invasion plot.
This lack of gradual tension-building has become common in Blumhouse’s recent horror films. Many of their films rush toward moments of horror without taking the time to build a sense of unease. They don’t let the fear slowly creep up on the audience.
When the climax of the remake finally arrives, it feels disappointing. The original film ends in a way that is shocking and devastating. However, in the Blumhouse remake, the ending has been changed to fit a more typical Hollywood style.
Still from Sleep No Evil (Credit: Universal Pictures)
While this isn’t entirely unexpected, it’s still disappointing. If there is one thing the remake does better, it is the way it portrays Ben and Louise as more sympathetic characters.
The backstory about their struggles as a couple feels a bit predictable, but it does make them easier to relate to. However, this doesn’t add much to the overall story, and the film still falls short of the original.
Makenzie Davis Shines in ‘Speak No Evil’
One of the standout aspects of the remake is the performances, particularly that of Makenzie Davis as Louise. While the marketing for the film may have focused on James McAvoy, it is Davis who truly carries the movie.
Her portrayal of Louise is the emotional center of the film, and she does an excellent job of making the audience root for her character.
Though the film simplifies Louise’s character, turning her into the perfect mother figure, Davis’s performance makes her feel genuine and relatable. Scoot McNairy also does a good job as Ben, playing the role of a man trying to find his inner strength.
Still from Sleep No Evil (Credit: Universal Pictures)
While James McAvoy is a talented actor, his performance as Paddy doesn’t quite live up to the character’s potential. Paddy is supposed to be a charming but dangerous figure, someone who hides his dark side behind a friendly exterior.
However, McAvoy’s portrayal of Paddy comes off as more irritating than menacing. His character spends much of the film ranting about social media and technology, which makes him feel more like an annoying dinner guest than a true horror villain.
Aisling Franciosi, on the other hand, gives a solid performance as Ciara, capturing the same cold and cruel demeanor seen in the original film.
Conclusion: The Original ‘Speak No Evil’ Is Still the Best Version
It’s not surprising that the 2024 remake of Speak No Evil doesn’t live up to the original. While the remake isn’t a bad film, it fails to capture the same level of tension, dread, and emotional impact that made the original such a powerful experience.
If you’re open to watching the 2024 version, it’s best to do so without comparing it to the 2022 film. However, if you only have time to watch one version, the original Danish-Dutch Speak No Evil is the clear winner.
It’s one of the most unsettling and emotionally devastating horror films of recent years, while the remake feels like a hollow retelling of a story that has already been done to near perfection.
Still from Sleep No Evil (Credit: Universal Pictures)
The 2024 remake of Speak No Evil struggles to live up to the gripping tension and emotional depth of the 2022 original Danish-Dutch version. While the remake features strong performances, especially from Makenzie Davis, it falls short in creating the same sense of dread and fear that made the original so effective.
The language gap, a key element of the original’s suspense, is absent, and the remake leans into a more predictable Hollywood-style narrative, even altering the powerful ending. Ultimately, the remake lacks the chilling atmosphere of the original, making the 2022 version the superior and more impactful horror film.
