A demonic-looking James McAvoy stars as a manipulative monster in the psychological horror-thriller Speak No Evil.
An American family meets and befriends a British family while holidaying in Italy. Soon the Americans are invited to spend a weekend at the seemingly idyllic country estate of the Brits. What starts out with promise ends up as a twisted nightmare.
Americans Ben Dalton (Scoot McNairy) and wife, Louise (Mackenzie Davis), along with their 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West) moved to London for a job opportunity. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but they decided to stay on. There is tension in the relationship, but Louise thinks a weekend away might be just the ticket. When they arrive at the isolated rustic home of Paddy (McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), they’re warmly greeted. Paddy and Ciara have a non-verbal son, Ant (Dan Hough).
Paddy has a larger-than-life personality. He’s loud and effusive, an alpha male who dominates. Ciara appears to be subjugated by him, while Ant seems tentative and scared. Several incidents make Louise uncomfortable. She’s keen to leave – early. Only a failed attempt to do so subsequently sees the stakes ratcheted up. It’s just a matter of time before the American family is subjected to a vortex of evil, in which their lives are in peril.
Written and directed by James Watkins (The Woman in Black), Speak No Evil is based on the 2022 Danish film Gæsterne. An air of unease permeates proceedings as the tension builds, leading up to a gripping final half-hour. The plot takes some time to develop, although it is clear no good can come of the outbursts that infuse the narrative. Speak No Evil is a cleverly woven tale of a twisted mind. The secondary plot line concerning the tensions in the American family add heft. And then there’s the predicament of the English family’s son.
McAvoy’s demented facial expressions are the killer (pun intended). He brings a disingenuous edge to the character that’s horribly attractive (again, deliberate pun). Mackenzie Davis paints Louise as competent but wary, while Scoot McNairy gives voice to a man with issues to work through. I also appreciated the understanding developed between the children, well realised by Alix West and Dan Hough.
The film has been well shot, often with a claustrophobic feel, by Tim Maurice-Jones (who worked with director Watkins on The Woman in Black).
A wild and intense ride, Speak No Evil has bite, leaving an indelible imprint.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
