Netflix viewers are rushing to watch Speak No Evil (2024), which has been crowned one of the best horror films of the decade by critics and audiences alike. The film, starring James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi, landed on Netflix on July 16, 2026, and has sparked widespread reactions on social media.
Critical Acclaim and Ratings
The film holds a 6.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Eccy Reviews, a TikTok account with 443,000 followers, described it as a must-watch, urging fans to stop whatever they are doing and watch it immediately.
In a TikTok post, Eccy Reviews said: "Now I'm someone who went to the cinema and watched this film, it absolutely terrified me. It has a fantastic performance from James McAvoy. And this film is so creepy."
Plot Overview
Speak No Evil follows an American family invited to stay at a remote farmhouse owned by a British couple while the hosts are vacationing in Italy. The situation escalates when the hosts test the limits of their guests, leading to a terrifying and shocking climax.
Without giving away spoilers, Eccy Reviews explained that the film features a family on holiday who encounter another family giving off "weird and creepy" vibes. Despite the warning signs, Paddy (played by James McAvoy) and his family accept an invitation to visit the other family's isolated house. The reviewer noted that the film features a "terrifying horrifying performance from James McAvoy and the rest of his family" and a story that will "genuinely shock you to your core."
Cast and Production
James Watkins wrote and directed the film, which is based on the 2022 Danish remake of the same name. The cast includes James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy. The film premiered at the DGA Theatre in New York City on September 9, 2024, and was released in cinemas by Universal Pictures on September 13, 2024.
A Rotten Tomatoes review reads: "Harnessing sick suspense from the glimmer in James McAvoy's eye, Speak No Evil is the remake that hushes up concerns of 'been there, done that'."
Audience Reactions
Viewers have described the film as "brilliant" and a movie that keeps you on the "edge of your seat." Many have said they can't "stop thinking about it." The film has been compared to other top-tier horror films, with some calling it the "scariest film of the decade."
Comparison to the Original
The 2022 Danish version centers on a conservative Danish family who visit an eccentric Dutch couple they met on holiday. As the weekend progresses, the hosts increasingly push their guests' boundaries, creating a chilling escalation of social unease and menacing behavior. The 2024 remake updates the setting and characters while maintaining the core tension and horror.
