Speak No Evil is an American psychological horror film written and directed by James Watkins. It is a remake of the 2022 Danish horror film of the same name.
Speak No Evil follows the American upper-class couple Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Louise (Mackenzie Davis) who are on holiday in Italy with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) a sweet and sensitive child who has an attachment to her soft toy rabbit. Whilst in Italy they meet the British couple Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) who are there with their son Ant (Dan Hough) a shy boy who has a disability that affects his speech. The couples immediately hit it off, and the charming British couple invite the Americans to come stay with them for a weekend in the West Country. However, it slowly becomes apparent that the welcoming couple may have a hidden agenda.
Speak No Evil is a deeply unsettling and gripping film about the pressures of being a houseguest and the dangers of trusting strangers. The film asks how much can you tolerate as a guest in someone's home without trying to be rude? The film keeps you on edge throughout, it is a slow-burn and at some points maybe a bit too slow but this is successful in building the tension for the audience. Even though there was long slow-burn moments at the beginning of the film it was able to keep me entertained through the use of humour as along with the American couple we are shown a charming side of Paddy and Ciara. The cinematography and sound-design add to this eerie atmosphere as the film is filled with lots of silences in unnerving and awkward moments.
The cast are all incredible, but James McAvoy gives a standout performance. He is able to portray this charismatic, charming man who at moments even makes you feel sorry for him, he then easily switches in a second to a dark and angry man with a lack of humanity. McAvoy embodies a psychopath fully and is perfect at acting rage, his character adds fear to every scene and when he finally shows his true nature it is an amazing performance.
Speak No Evil is an entertaining and effective psychological thriller about societies need to be too polite sometimes when you are a guest. Even though this film stretches credulity at moments, it is a fun horror film filled with a great cast, and a suspenseful plot that will have you on the edge of your seat at moments.
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