Speak No Evil Review: Should You Watch Or Not

James McAvoy returns to the thriller genre in Speak No Evil, a slow-burn psychological horror that takes viewers on a deeply unsettling journey. This movie, a remake of the 2022 Danish film Gaesterne, keeps you hooked with its creeping tension and powerful performances. McAvoy plays Paddy, a seemingly charming host who invites an American couple to his farmhouse for a weekend getaway. What starts as a friendly escape soon turns into a nightmarish descent into manipulation and horror.

But does Speak No Evil live up to the hype, or does it fall into predictable territory? Let’s break it down.

A Sinister Setting

The film introduces us to Ben (played by Scoot McNairy) and Louise (Mackenzie Davis), a couple struggling with the disappointments of their life in London. Their young daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler), clings to a stuffed rabbit as her “worry bunny,” hinting at the underlying tension in the family. After a chance meeting in Italy with the charming Paddy (McAvoy) and his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), the American couple receives a seemingly innocent invitation to spend a weekend at the farmhouse.

From the moment they arrive, the setting plays a key role in building the film’s ominous tone. The farmhouse, with its rustic appeal and eerily isolated location, provides the perfect backdrop for psychological games. James Watkins, the film’s director, uses the house’s unsettling charm to slowly chip away at the couple’s sense of security.

The Slow-Burn Tension

The brilliance of Speak No Evil lies in its slow-burn nature. It’s not a film that jumps straight into chaos; rather, it lures you in with awkward social interactions and subtle discomfort. Paddy is overly friendly, almost too eager to please. But there’s always that nagging feeling that something isn’t right.

From the start, Paddy pushes boundaries. In one uncomfortable dinner scene, he insists that Louise, a vegetarian, taste the lamb he’s prepared. It’s moments like these, full of tension and miscommunication, that keep viewers on edge. The uncomfortable feeling builds slowly, making you wonder just how far Paddy’s games will go.

And James McAvoy is the perfect man to play this role. He oscillates between charming host and unsettling antagonist with ease, keeping the audience guessing whether he’s simply an overbearing farmer or something far more dangerous. His performance calls to mind his previous roles in thrillers, but Paddy is far more restrained, making the eventual unraveling all the more impactful.

Characters You Can’t Ignore

While McAvoy undoubtedly steals the show, the other characters play critical roles in creating the film’s escalating tension. Ben, who’s moved his family to London for a job he quickly loses, is portrayed as desperate for approval and connection. His need to please and make friends blinds him to the dangers lurking beneath Paddy’s surface charm. He’s a man constantly trying to smooth over discomfort, choosing to ignore the warning signs right in front of him.

Louise, on the other hand, is more skeptical from the start. Her reluctance to accept the farmhouse invitation showcases her inner conflict. She wants to protect her family, but also doesn’t want to appear rude or ungrateful. This tension between the two leads drives much of the film’s emotional weight, as their dynamic begins to unravel under Paddy’s manipulations.

A Family in Peril

A major strength of Speak No Evil is how it weaves psychological horror into the fabric of the family’s relationships. Ben and Louise’s strained marriage, Agnes’s anxiety, and the family’s isolation in a foreign country all play into their growing vulnerability. The farmhouse becomes a character in itself, amplifying their fears and insecurities.

The presence of Paddy’s son Ant, who can’t speak due to a malformed tongue, adds another layer of unease. Ant’s silence becomes symbolic, representing the family’s own inability to communicate their fears and doubts openly. Silence becomes as much of a threat as any physical danger.

Building Toward a Violent Crescendo

As the tension builds, the film forces viewers to question whether Ben and Louise are overreacting or if something truly sinister is going on. But just when you think you have the film figured out, it takes a sharp turn. The slow burn gives way to a harrowing final act, where psychological manipulation turns into physical violence.

Unfortunately, this is where Speak No Evil stumbles slightly. The climactic action, while intense, feels somewhat predictable, falling into familiar horror tropes. There’s a sense of inevitability that takes away from the suspense that was so carefully constructed earlier in the film. It’s a bit of a letdown, especially after such a strong buildup.

However, the performances are so compelling that they almost make up for this final stumble. Mackenzie Davis’s portrayal of Louise, in particular, stands out in these final moments. Her character’s transformation from skeptical outsider to desperate survivor is nothing short of riveting.

Subtle Commentary on Social Etiquette

What makes Speak No Evil more than just a run-of-the-mill thriller is its underlying commentary on social conventions. Throughout the film, the characters struggle with the pressure to be polite, even when their instincts scream otherwise. How often do we sacrifice our own comfort just to avoid being rude?

Ben and Louise repeatedly ignore their better judgment, going along with Paddy’s increasingly bizarre behavior simply because they don’t want to cause a scene. It’s a damning critique of the way we’re conditioned to prioritize social niceties over personal safety.

In this way, the film taps into a universal fear: the fear of being trapped in a situation where social expectations prevent you from protecting yourself. It’s a powerful message wrapped in a genre that typically focuses more on jump scares than emotional depth.

Final Thoughts

While not without its flaws, Speak No Evil is a highly engaging thriller that showcases James McAvoy in top form. His portrayal of Paddy is both terrifying and fascinating, a masterclass in subtle menace. The film’s slow-burn tension, uncomfortable social dynamics, and strong performances make it a standout in the horror-thriller genre.

However, the predictability of the final act does hold it back from being a truly great film. Still, for fans of psychological horror, it’s an entertaining watch that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for a film that explores the dark side of human nature while keeping you on the edge of your seat, Speak No Evil is definitely worth your time.

Bottom Line: A chilling exploration of social conventions and psychological manipulation, led by an outstanding performance from McAvoy.

Release Date: September 13
Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, Scoot McNairy
Director: James Watkins