Speak No Evil Review

Status: Released

Release Date: 2024-09-11

Speak No Evil

Horror

Thriller

A way too trusting couple becomes ensnared in a trap of their own making when they befriend a couple while on vacation in Speak No Evil.

What is Speak No Evil about?

While on vacation in Italy, American couple Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben Dalton (Scoot McNairy) and their daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler), befriend a British couple, Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their son Ant Dan Hough). After arriving home, Paddy invites them to their country estate to spend the weekend. Since Louise and Ben are having marital issues, they decide to take Paddy up on their offer. However, as they arrive and the remote farmhouse, things are not what they seem. What started out as a dream holiday slowly becomes a nightmare.

Before we get started, let me just say, James McAvoy is an excellent bad guy. His performance in this film is on par with Split. In the beginning, he is very likable but you can’t quite put your finger on what’s wrong. You know there’s something off, but you’re not sure. With the direction of James Watkins, it added to the movie. Bit by bit you see the facade that McAvoy’s character has break down until he becomes a raging lunatic. As the film progresses, you feel the unease of the characters. You feel as if you’re one of the characters in the film.

Although the film was great, we do have one issue, the Dalton family is way too trusting. It’s one thing to hang out on vacation with someone, but we don’t know you. There is no way in the world I’m going to someone’s house in the country to stay with someone I barely know. You’re just asking for trouble. Let me get to know your first. As the film goes on, they almost act like teens in a scary movie. If you see a ghost in a house, you don’t spend the night, you leave. At one point in the movie Ben ask, “Why are you doing this?” To which Paddy replies, “Because you let us.”

Despite getting annoyed with the Dalton family, it is a great film. McAvoy’s performance is outstanding as well as the other cast members. More importantly, the big reveal of what and how Paddy and Ciara are doing is even more unsettling.

Currently, you can Speak No Evil in theaters. Since Universal Pictures distributed the film, it will stream on Peacock at a future date.

What is Speak No Evil rated?

The film has a rating of R for some strong violence, language, some sexual content and brief drug use.

Does Speak No Evil have an end-credit scene?

No, there are no mid or post credits at the end of the movie.

Speak No Evil Trailer

Overview

When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.