The highly anticipated Speak No Evil (to be released on September Friday the 13th!) brings a fresh yet familiar sense of dread to the horror community. Directed by James Watkins, this remake of the 2022 Danish original showcases a dark exploration of politeness and toxic masculinity, drawing viewers into the tension-filled world of an American family whose vacation spirals into terror.
The story follows Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Louise (Mackenzie Davis), a married couple on vacation in Italy with their daughter, Agnes. Their mundane family dynamics take a curious turn when they befriend Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), a seemingly perfect British couple. After an idyllic holiday together, the American family accepts Paddy’s invitation to visit his countryside estate, hoping for a weekend escape from their bleak London life.
However, as soon as they arrive, things take a sinister turn. What starts as uncomfortable social moments — forced meat-eating for a vegetarian, awkward parenting choices, and odd remarks — slowly escalates into a terrifying ordeal, with McAvoy’s performance driving much of the tension. Paddy’s ability to poke at Ben’s insecurities without breaking the façade of politeness plays a key role in the film’s success. The psychological manipulation that ensues leaves Ben and Louise questioning their own judgment, unable to trust what they sense and see.
James McAvoy delivers a standout performance, embodying a charming yet menacing figure whose true intentions unfold in increasingly disturbing ways. As Paddy, McAvoy oscillates between warmth and barely concealed aggression, unnerving both the characters and the audience. Aisling Franciosi’s role as Ciara offers a quiet but unsettling counterpoint, complementing McAvoy’s dominating presence.
Scoot McNairy, as the deeply insecure Ben, portrays the crumbling facade of a man who desperately yearns for the life Paddy represents, while Mackenzie Davis, playing Louise, captures the strength of a mother torn between protecting her family and maintaining social decorum. Their performances help build the tension, making the film as much about internal psychological horror as the external threats they face.
James Watkins, best known for Eden Lake and The Woman in Black, brings his signature touch to Speak No Evil. While he keeps the essence of the original intact, he takes liberties with the plot and tone. Watkins intentionally steers away from the brutal ending of the 2022 version, choosing to create a more suspenseful and emotionally complex narrative. He infuses the film with moments of dark humor and uncomfortable social commentary, adding depth to the characters’ relationships while still maintaining the looming dread.
In an interview, Watkins explained his approach, stating that while he respects the original, he aimed to make the film accessible to a broader audience by shifting its tone. He wanted to create a “fun” yet tense experience, giving audiences a rollercoaster ride of emotions, while still allowing the film to engage with themes of modern masculinity and societal expectations.
One of the most notable changes in the remake is the shift in tone from the original’s intense, almost nihilistic horror. Watkins tones down the violence but not the tension, crafting a psychological horror that keeps viewers on edge without the need for explicit brutality. The dynamics between the characters, particularly the toxic masculinity on display, are central to the film’s message. Ben’s admiration of Paddy’s lifestyle and his reluctance to offend his hosts reflect broader societal issues of power, control, and social conformity.
The film was shot in various locations, capturing the eerie beauty of the British countryside, which contrasts sharply with the tension brewing between the characters. Watkins made deliberate choices to enhance the psychological unease, using the landscape as a metaphor for the characters’ isolation and vulnerability. James McAvoy, in interviews, revealed that he enjoyed playing Paddy, a character who can seamlessly switch between affability and menace, calling the role one of his most complex yet.
Speak No Evil successfully treads the fine line between horror and suspense, offering a thought-provoking narrative while delivering a tense, edge-of-your-seat experience. With strong performances, particularly from McAvoy, and Watkins’ careful direction, the film manages to stand on its own as a compelling horror remake that delves deep into the dark side of human nature and social dynamics. Fans of the original and newcomers alike will find much to appreciate in this unsettling exploration of modern politeness gone wrong.
