Speak No Evil, the 2024 psychological thriller starring James McAvoy, has been hailed as a 'must watch' by viewers, gripping audiences from start to finish with an 83 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, a Hollywood remake of the 2022 Danish-Dutch movie of the same name, is directed by James Watkins and based on a real-life encounter.
The Plot and Its Origins
The original director, Christian Tafdrup, got the idea for the film after he and his brother befriended a Dutch family while abroad on holiday and were later invited to stay at their home. The real-life siblings declined out of caution, but the characters in the film make a very different decision.
The plot follows two couples who meet on holiday with their young children and strike up a friendship. American family, the Daltons, are holidaying with their young daughter Agnes when they are charmed by British couple, Paddy and Ciara, who are vacationing with their mute son Ant at the same hotel in Italy. After the holiday ends, the Daltons are invited to spend the weekend at Paddy and Ciara's idyllic country estate on a farm in Devon, England. But when they arrive, they quickly realise that something is wrong and uncover a dark truth about their new friends.
The Cast and Performances
James McAvoy plays the leading role of Paddy, a performance that has been widely praised. The Scots star is known for his ability to play a diverse range of roles, including kidnapper Kevin, who has 23 diagnosed personalities in the psychological thriller Split (2016). Other cast members include Paddy's wife Ciara, played by Irish-Italian actress Aisling Franciosi, while the other main couple, Louise and Ben Dalton, are portrayed by Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy. The film also features two young child actors, Dan Hough and Alix West Lefler, who play the children in the two families.
McAvoy's performance saw him nominated for several film awards, including Best Actor for BAFTA Scotland, while young Alix West Lefler won Best Youth Performance at the Leo Awards.
Viewer Reactions
The overall response to Speak No Evil from critics and film fans alike was widely positive. One fan gushed: "A slow-burn terror film. It reminded me of The Shining at times. Everyone gave an excellent performance. Must-see movie if you like this genre."
A second agreed: "This suspense thriller had me on the edge of my seat a few times. This was an unexpected delight, if you can call it that, as McAvoy chews up the scenery and scares the heck out of you. Well worth a watch."
A third added: "Speak No Evil is a flawless psychological thriller that grips from start to finish. James McAvoy’s haunting performance makes it unforgettable. An absolute masterpiece of suspense and horror."
Several others praised McAvoy's performance, with one fan writing: "James McAvoy is quite outstanding in the role. While it is clear from the start something is seriously wrong as the movie evolves the viewer is never quite sure of how things will evolve. A really great surprise. Perfect for spooky season." Another said: "Brilliant movie. James McAvoy was exceptional in it," while someone else exclaimed: "This is one of the best movies I have seen this year. Although I am not familiar with most of the actors in the movie, they were impeccable."
Where to Watch
Those who want to watch Speak No Evil can stream it on Netflix, as well as Amazon Prime Video, where it can either be rented or bought for £3.99.
