Movie Review: ‘Speak No Evil’ starring James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis

James Watkin’s Speak No Evil is out in theaters today, and despite the title, it is definitely a modern horror thriller that will leave people talking. A remake of a Dutch film released in 2022 under the same name directed by Christina Tafdrup, the slightly updated version is the most recent Blumhouse-produced feature to creep into theaters. It might seem the film is an early treat for the Halloween season, as it is formatted more as a horror thriller than following the prescribed formula most horror films seem to be
constructed around.

The film follows an American couple who, with their daughter, move to Europe following an employment opportunity. The couple, Louise and Ben, played by Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, seem to be a little lost as the exposition informs the audience that the job fell through, and the couple seems to be navigating some relationship issues. On holiday, the family meets another local couple, accompanied by their son, Paddy and Ciara. The couple is cast perfectly by James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi. Upon the ending of their vacation, Paddy and Ciara invite their travel companions to come and spend a week with them at their quiet home on the countryside. At first, Louise seems hesitant, but as their daughter Agnes seems to get along with their son Ant, who has a stunted development in his communication skills, she agrees.

Upon their arrival, things seem to be quite off with Paddy and Ciara, as well as their son Ant. In the near two-hour runtime of the film, it doesn’t take long for the awkward exchanges and intense undertones to become the dominant and driving force of the film. In all seriousness, I applaud director James Watkin’s as to how he uses silence and the simple facial gestures of his cast, which I find to be truly brilliant. What came as a surprise to me and other movie-goers was how much of the script was filled with comedic lines that packed a bite and that the delivery was met with snickering and giggles. Perhaps knowing the type of film that it was, I wasn’t expecting as much laughter – but it really added to the chemistry between the quartet of performers as they were fantastic in their individual parts. James McAvoy channeled his inner villain from his previous performance in Split and at times, was truly menacing (yet charming, an undeniable anomaly of his character.)

The film has a plot that unfolds that will bring out gasps and hands clasped over mouths as it moves through some of the twists and turns. Upon first glance, and about an hour into the film, I was wondering if the entire plot was given away in the trailers and advertising for the film. I was wrong, and having never seen the original film, there were moments where I was shocked and uncomfortable. I won’t say that the film burns slowly because that isn’t the case. Once it becomes clear to the audience that the hosts of this countryside home are a little more sinister than they first seemed, it seems the film barrels through the remaining minutes. Albeit there were moments of aggravation when I wanted to yell at the screen something similar to the cliché “Why are you running upstairs instead of outside?” But these character flaws were necessary for what I believe the director and writer were wishing to accomplish. My suggestion is – go into this film as blind as possible. That seems to be no easy task when the promo for films sometimes begins 6 months before its release. But, if possible, enter the film with as little knowledge as possible. I can guarantee this will enhance your experience ten-fold. However, even having seen the trailer, I can still affirm the film was both pleasantly surprising and an enjoyable thriller that left me feeling tossed and slightly uncomfortable, but still satisfied.

Speak No Evil earns a B.