Speak No Evil review: James McAvoy is masterful in this twisted horror-comedy
Watching a scary movie inevitably puts you on high alert. Every noise, unexpected movement, or sudden slam makes your heart race. Director James Watkins expertly takes advantage of this tension right from the start of this gradually unfolding, thrilling, and distinct film.
Initially, the setup doesn’t appear too dreadful. It begins with two families enjoying a stay at an upscale bed and breakfast located in a picturesque Italian town. The cheerful and somewhat overbearing father, Paddy (James McAvoy), is there with his wife Clara (Aisling Franciosi) and their son, Ant, who has a condition that prevents him from speaking.
On vacation in the area is Louise, a former public relations executive, alongside her tense husband Ben and their extremely nervous daughter, Agnes. The character types are well-defined and immediately humorous.
Even with their contrasting personalities, Ben manages to become friends with Paddy, which secretly bothers his wife. Upon returning to their gloomy home in London, they are invited to spend time with the lively family at their country house in England. Another perfect escape—what could be more exciting?
Louise and Ben probably envisioned a grand estate with a lovely farm-to-table experience, but it turns out to be quite the opposite. Paddy and Clara are unsettlingly too friendly, and young Agnes has to sleep on the floor. Gradually, the situation becomes increasingly strange – though not overtly frightening – all the way to the film's peak moment.
This is a brilliant example of skilled filmmaking, and Watkins creatively uses sound in a wonderfully disturbing manner. The tension is heightened by the exceptional acting of Ant (Dan Hough), who, unable to speak, conveys his feelings through his silent frustration.
Awkward pauses after Paddy's blunder linger, causing the audience to fidget in anticipation of a reaction—perhaps a heated argument or an embarrassing family quarrel. However, for the time being, all we hear is the sound of forks clinking, the loud sips of wine, glasses being slammed down on the table, doors creaking shut, and vague figures moving about in the dim light behind the stained glass.
James McAvoy demonstrates once more his remarkable ability to portray deeply unsettling characters effortlessly. He transitions smoothly between being disarmingly charming and frighteningly violent.
As the film progresses, his large build, impressive strength, and hands-on approach to tasks like hunting, cooking, maintaining the farm, and changing tires become increasingly worrisome.
Davis and McNairy excel in portraying an ideal middle-class couple, which enhances the strange chemistry between McAvoy and Franciosi while making it easier for the audience to connect with them.
Watkins doesn't just evoke a growing feeling of anxiety; he skillfully injects humor into some of the film's most bizarre scenes. This results in a captivating balance between fear and laughter that keeps the audience thoroughly entertained.
In the end, Speak No Evil brings the audience together in a mix of fear, excitement, and a strange, exhilarating happiness—an experience that only truly excellent horror can evoke when it hits all the right notes. It's exciting, for sure, but it also delivers plenty of laughter and has some genuinely awkward moments.
The underlying tension in this distinctly British film revolves around the theme of politeness, which sparked a lot of knowing chuckles from the viewers. Even when facing some serious social blunders that would usually make most people want to escape, the guests have to stick around to avoid upsetting their gracious hosts. It turns out that being too polite can have dangerous consequences.
Speak No Evil takes you on a chaotic journey packed with awkward humor, unexpected turns, and moments of intense violence that are both mental and physical. It's a horror experience that blends discomfort and laughter in the most captivating way.
