Speak No Evil (MA)
Directed by: James Watkins
Starring: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scott McNairy
Review by: Julian Wright
For some, the feeling of social awkwardness can be terrifying. For those people, Speak No Evil could be more terrifying than The Exorcist.
After relocating from the USA to London, the Dalton family, Louise (Mackenzie Davis ), Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Agnes (Alix West Lefler), take a holiday in the Italian countryside.
While there, they strike up a friendship with fellow holidaying family Paddy (James McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and Ant (Dan Hough) who invite the Daltons to their rural home for another relaxing mini-getaway.
At first the Daltons are charmed by their welcoming new friends, but soon must navigate erratic behaviour that indicates something may be a little off with their hosts.
Paddy’s extended glances, his disciplinary tactics towards Ant, Ciara constantly telling Agnes what to do – they are minor things, but at what point does one stop smiling politely and speak up?
It turns out, a bit of awkwardness is the least of the Daltons’ problems.
Writer/director James Watkins builds a terrific cast and significant tension in this American remake of a two year old Danish film of the same name.
His ability to position his audience at the edge of their seat while leaning into the humour of the characters’ strange behaviour is something to be commended.
In fact, it is the dark humour that sets his take on the material apart from the original.
Having already established himself as a terrifying villain in Split (2016) and Glass (2019) with his ability to shift personas, James McAvoy is a reliable choice for Paddy.
His change from charming to sinister is scarily effortless.
Despite Speak No Evil (2022) still being fresh in our minds, Speak No Evil (2024) still manages to be nail-biting experience that may make you stop and think about how you will behave around new friends.
Reel Review Roundup 