By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
James McAvoy takes this psychological suspense thriller to another level, generating terror through his memorably unsettling performance. “Speak No Evil” is a remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name and is unequivocally superior in nearly every way. The story takes its time to get there, but when it does, grip those armrests tightly because you are in for a wild ride.
Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Louise Dalton (Mackenzie Davis) are on a scenic vacation in Italy with their young daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler). With Agnes’ severe anxiety and a noticeable rift between the couple, they’re finding it incredibly difficult to let loose and simply enjoy the trip. When they meet Paddy (James McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their mute son Ant (Dan Hough), Ben and Louise are immediately drawn to their carefree, live for the moment attitude. A quick friendship blossoms, leading to an invitation to Paddy and Ciara’s farm in the remote English countryside.
What begins as a serene, rustic getaway of enjoying each other’s company rapidly devolves as Paddy’s volatile temperament increasingly shows itself. As the visiting family makes startling discoveries about their hosts, they immediately seek a way to leave early without raising alarms. Unfortunately for them, Paddy has other plans, leading to a hellish vacation where survival may be their only hope.
Usually, remakes don’t fair well, but “Speak No Evil” is the rare exception that blows the original out of the water. This is due in large part to James McAvoy and his electrically unhinged performance as the primary antagonist. This should come as no surprise after his incredible performance in a similar role in 2016’s “Split.” McAvoy successfully disarms the protagonists and the audience during the first half of this film with his affable lust for life that presents his character as a cool cat everyone wants to hang out with. The subtle shift in his eyes shows his transformation into a manic, darker version of himself capable of horrific atrocities. This is a highly gifted actor who puts this film on his back and carries it across the finish line.
Not to be overshadowed, the two main protagonists are portrayed by Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis, both of whom craft very relatably flawed characters. Scoot presents his character as a tired father and husband who is trying to recapture a spark of excitement but avoids conflict like the plague. Meanwhile, Mackenzie portrays her character as an extremely conservative, overprotective mother who is dissatisfied by her meek husband. Together, they make a naturally troubled couple who are forced to confront their issues under an extreme situation, creating authenticity that invests the
audience in their outcomes.
With a first rate cast like this, it makes any director’s job a little easier, but James Watkins happens to be a pretty talented director in his own right, having prior experience in the horror genre with films like “Eden Lake” and “The Woman in Black.” Even though this is a remake, Watkins successfully makes it feel new by breaking away from the original story and infusing his own style that intensifies the suspense. Focusing the first half of a horror film on character development is a risky move, but Watkins pulls it off without lulling his audience to sleep. He introduces tidbits of information and little hints of strangeness and friction that raises viewers antennae just enough to hold their attention before lowering the boom. Once the hook is set, Watkins floors the audience with an explosive climax with some unexpected curveballs. However, the ending makes one think that it’s a more violent version of “Home Alone,” which is unfortunate.
Blumhouse Productions has been guilty of releasing shameless cash grabs in recent years, but this is not one of them. “Speak No Evil” is like the long slow ascent on a roller coaster, building the anticipation of the drop you know is coming, but when it happens it still takes your breath away. With James McAvoy stealing the show, this is a thriller you don’t want to miss.
This movie earns:
