“Speak No Evil,” James Watkins’ newest film, is a twisted psychological horror that keeps you guessing. I went into this film thinking it was going to be almost two hours of overused thriller tropes and predictable plotlines, but I was pleasantly surprised with the direction it took.
On a vacation in Italy, the Dalton family — Ben (Scoot McNairy), Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Agnes (Alix West Lefler) — befriend a seemingly normal British family — Paddy (James McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and Ant (Dan Hough). The couples share a good time and notice that their children have formed a bond, which is important to them considering 12-year-old Agnes is struggling to let go of her stuffed animal, Hoppy, and Ant is completely non-verbal.
Paddy and Ciara invite Ben and Louise to come visit them at their cottage in the English countryside after they part ways so the children can reunite and the four of them can become closer.
Agnes and Ant were genuinely portrayed by some of the best child actors I’ve seen in a horror movie. For Hough to be able to say so much without speaking even once throughout the entire film speaks volumes, pun fully intended.
I was honestly not the biggest fan of Davis or the character of Louise in general. I felt that she was almost over-acting and despite not having an accent, a few of her words came out British-sounding. I did however really enjoy the character of Ben.
But the whole reason I wanted to see this movie in the first place was because of James McAvoy, who devoured the role of Paddy. McAvoy is a seriously underrated actor and I hope this movie gets him the attention he deserves. This isn’t his first time in a horror film, as he starred in the 2016 thriller “Split” and played an older Bill Denbrough in “It Chapter Two.” Franciosi didn’t stand out; but truthfully, I’m happy about it, because McAvoy was able to shine. His performance was wonderfully unsettling, his character switching between humorous to full of ire to hurt in a matter of moments. The way even just his facial expressions were able to make me uneasy was masterful.
Although I have no experience with marriage, I think McNairy, Davis and the writers did a fantastic job depicting Ben and Louise’s relationship. Their relationship is at its very end due to betrayal, but the couple refuses to give up because of a common factor between them. That common factor is Agnes.
One thing I really did not like about this movie though was that I didn’t go in blind. I’m sure everyone has seen the trailer for it at some point — it’s everywhere. While it does not give away everything, it still spoils a little too much.
By the end of the film, I had actually torn off one of my acrylic nails … that’s how tense it became. It was not necessarily scary, but undoubtedly heart-pounding.
“This succeeds as a straightforward, well directed thriller and JAMES MCAVOY? One of our greatest,” user @STK5 said on Letterboxd. “His sinister comedy charm,” @georgecarmi added, “is divine.”
The film currently has an average rating of 3.4 stars on Letterboxd, and I can understand why it isn’t higher. Audience members were more than likely turned off by the slow beginning. It definitely took some time to pick up and prove itself to be anxiety-inducing. Normally I’d despise a slow start, but it was worth it for me when the pieces started falling into place.
For me, it is a solid four stars — it was interesting, disturbing, had great writing, acting, music and shots, and you just can’t go wrong with McAvoy playing a freak. I will without a doubt be watching this again as soon as it comes to streaming.
4/5 stars
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @speaknoevil24, X
