Directed by James Watkins
Starring James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, and Dan Hough

A remake of the 2022 Danish Film of the same name (which I have not seen), Speak No Evil gives the noun ‘tourist trap’ a whole new sinister meaning.

London based American couple Ben and Louise (Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis), and their daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler) are on vacation in the Italian countryside where they first meet Paddy (James McAvoy), his wife, Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their son, Ant (Dan Hough). Despite Paddy’s unusual behaviour from the get-go and the immediate awkwardness present, Ben and Louise take kindly to Paddy’s outgoing nature and accept an invite to his remote country home after returning to London. From the first minutes they arrive, the hosts cross lines by way of presumption that places their guests in uncomfortable situations where they are forced to speak up or stay silent on the spot. As awkward as things might be, it would be more awkward to leave so soon, so they commit to staying. Eventually, a line will be crossed that is inexcusable and propels Ben and Louise to leave, but escaping Paddy and his family is perhaps the only line that exists for them, and they will not allow it to be crossed!

It has been a while, a long while, since I last saw a psychologically driven thriller that is THIS GOOD!

There are so many individual components that come together so successfully and compliment this film. I will start with the most obvious, which is of course the masterfully menacing performance from James McAvoy. We learned from M. Night Shyamalan’s Split this talented Scottish-born actor not only had more variety in him of the chilling kind, but enough of it to unsettle us with 24 distinct personalities. Having less identities to work with in Speak No Evil has evidently enabled McAvoy to sharpen this skill furthermore. His ability to disconcert is that potent, all of McAvoy’s dialogue could be erased and his performance would still remain just as unsettling.

Next, I must commend the restraint, resourcefulness, and wise decision-making of the script and how expertly directed this terrific thriller is. The development of character that occurs all throughout the movie and the involvement it gives each character make the movie much more than the one man show it could easily have been. Even the kids play a pivotal part in proceedings that, like all facets, continuously add to the film’s psychological depth and build suspense. Because the directing is so pinpoint, Speak No Evil has all of its nuances excellently observed and it produces a number of moments that intentionally provoke laughter, even if that laughter is of the nervous type and sourced from discomfort. I also very much appreciated the avoidance of jump scares or other easy thrill tactics throughout and rather saving its thrill-seeking for the thrilling climax. 

I am sure some people will find fault in the conclusion to this film. For me, Speak No Evil never lost its credibility, answered all questions, and absolutely delivered upon anticipation. 

Speak No Evil is showing in cinemas across Australia from September 12th.

Moviedoc thanks Universal Pictures for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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