Speak No Evil review – an effective game of cat and mouse

James McAvoy shines as the overly sociable father figure who brings unsuspecting visitors to his home in the countryside for some lighthearted entertainment.

One moment, they're your closest friends—buying drinks, pulling you into a tight bear hug, and inviting you to meet their family. The next moment, they're revealing that everything they showed you was just an act, and then some. Speak No Evil is a meticulously crafted English-language remake of Christian Tafdrup’s 2022 film of the same name, with some of its darker elements toned down to appeal to a wider audience at the cinema.

Building on the clinical dissection of Michael Haneke's notoriously difficult-to-watch 1997 film, Funny Games, this story follows a family from the US vacationing in Tuscany as they become captivated by the incredibly charming Paddy (James McAvoy). He claims to be a doctor from the West Country and has a unique ability to brighten any room he enters. Alongside his loving and gentle wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their mute son Ant (Dan Hough), they create an ideal and refreshing holiday connection: genuine, self-aware, relaxed, and open enough to hint at the possibility of a deeper emotional connection.

In the dreary, rainy streets of London, Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Louise (Mackenzie Davis) opt to take their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) to Paddy's countryside home for a long weekend filled with cider and shooting. However, what they really encounter is a good dose of discomfort and embarrassment. The film cleverly holds off on revealing the inevitable truth, contributing to a trend of movies where wealthy, middle-class individuals are forced to confront their own trivial hypocrisies before they can find any relief.

The film’s strong ties to its genre somewhat undermine its effectiveness as a social commentary. It becomes evident that there are issues with Paddy and his family long before we witness Ant’s frantic efforts to warn of looming threats. McNairy and Davis play their roles with a sense of confusion and detachment, while McAvoy takes center stage, delivering an exaggerated performance as the overly self-assured charmer pretending to be a friendly local gentleman.

While it doesn’t break new ground, this piece effectively utilizes familiar dynamics, particularly showcasing McAvoy's skill at using subtle body language to hint at a twist in the story. There are moments of humor, like when Paddy sings along to The Bangles’ 'Eternal Flame' while taking Ben out for a fox hunt, and the commentary on the odd yet significant role cuddly toys play in children’s lives is spot-on. However, the concluding act relies heavily on quirky character drives and amusing pasts, allowing the spectacle to take center stage.

It's intriguing to observe Blumhouse producing a remake that feels a bit more unconventional and aimed at adults than usual. It will be curious to find out if fans of the genre are let down by the film's significant focus on straightforward drama. However, with Watkins' sharp direction and McAvoy's genuinely chilling performance, this movie stands out as a powerful addition to the "If you venture into the woods today..." creepy collection, even if it might not be a must-see.

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Published on September 11, 2024.

Keywords: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy

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