A One Mann’s Movies review of “Speak No Evil” (2024).
Just back from a very pleasant, but cinema-free, two weeks in Portugal. So I have a bit of catching up to do with the latest releases. First off the block is this James Watkins remake of the original Danish horror/thriller “Speak No Evil”. And very entertaining it is too.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Louise (Mackenzie Davis), Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Agnes (Alix West Lefler) are a family on holiday in Italy when they run into the lively trio of Paddy (James McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and the mute and slightly disturbed Ant (Dan Hough). Paddy and Ciara are a bit wild and bohemian in their style, but hit it off with the London-based family, inviting them to join them in their remote farm in ‘the West Country’. But the stay is anything other than pleasant as relations get more and more strained.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R. (From the BBFC web site: “Violence, threat, domestic abuse, sex references, very strong language”.)
Talent:
Starring: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough.
Directed by: James Watkins.
Written by: James Watkins, Christian Tafdrup & Mads Tafdrup.
Running Time: 1h 50m.
“Speak No Evil” Summary:
Positives:
- Genuinely suspenseful.
- A really interesting example of how ‘good manners’ can restrict ‘sensible action’!
- A fabulously scenery-chewing performance from James McAvoy but a great ensemble cast too.
Negatives:
- Might have worked better with Louise and Ben being British.
- A few angles seem to have been left hanging.
Review of “Speak No Evil”:
A familiar story, but well told and suspenseful
This is a format that has been done many times before – innocents placed in a dangerous, claustrophobic and stressful situation. But here there are some really nice little twists that keep you in suspense. You don’t need to be a genius to work out where the film is going, but the joy is in the journey. Paddy and Ciara are a couple that are a bit ‘out there’ in their behaviour. But no more so than some well-tanked couples that you see in holiday resort destinations. It is only as the film progresses that Paddy’s behaviour becomes progressively – and by tiny increments – more irrational and extreme. The films various set-pieces are well staged and really do get you gripping the arm-rests.
A terrific ensemble cast.
Heading up the cast is James McAvoy. As he has proved in many previous roles (e.g. “Split” and “Glass“) he can do “deranged maniac” extremely well. Here he chews the scenary like a champ, ramping up the eye-rolling and face-twitching to 11. Yes, it’s over the top but it’s high-octane and suits the mood of the film to a tee. He is also perfectly matched with the 31 year old Aisling Franciosi…. a girl where you feel that Paddy (McAvoy is now 44) is ‘punching above his weight’ to be with, as reflected in the film. This is an intriguing relationship: is she his evil partner in crime or an entrapped Stockholm-syndrome-style victim?
Although McAvoy and Franciosi have the wilder acting rides, Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy also impress as the poor Daltons. Both quieter roles, especially McNairy’s, but expertly done. A shout-out too to the two kids played by Alix West Lefler and Dan Hough who also do a sterling job.
What would you do?
This is an intriguing tale of good manners over common sense. As things turn from quirky to strange to bizarre what is keeping the Dalton’s in place? It’s a sense of good manners…. a sense of not wanting to rock the boat and offend this, rather odd, family. In that sense, it feels a bit of a shame that the Dalton’s are cast as an American family living in London. (Presumably, this is to make the film appeal more to the US market.) But NOBODY in the world does ‘social embarrassment’ better than the Brits! It’s what makes films like the recent “The Trouble With Jessica” and TV shows like Alan Partridge and “The Office” (UK original) so toe-curlingly awful for us to watch.
A few options not taken.
Overall, the story really unfolds in a more satisfactory and entertaining way. There are just a few elements that didn’t quite gel for me. A babysitting event with an Iraqui refugee is odd but never seems to amount to anything. And during the meal out (hence the need for the babysitter), Paddy and Ciara seem to be implying that they are into the swinging scene with other couples. But this query never seems to be answered or pushed any further in the film. Given Louise and Ben’s fracturing relationship, this could have added another level of sexual intrigue and tension to the film, if pushed further.
Summary Thoughts on “Speak No Evil”
A thoroughly entertaining little horror/thriller that’s actually more “thrill” than “scare”. I really enjoyed this one and am now keen to watch the Danish original (which I understand is much darker again). Interestingly, Christian and Mads Tafdrup, who co-wrote that 2022 film, also co-wrote this one with director James Watkins.
Where to Watch it (Powered by Justwatch)
Trailer for “Speak No Evil”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdElmLKTqFY.
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