Speak No Evil is a meticulously crafted psychological thriller that marks the reunion of Mackenzie Davis (Terminator: Dark Fate, Blade Runner 2049) and Scoot McNairy (Argo, A Quiet Place Part II). Last working together on the critically acclaimed series Halt and Catch Fire, they bring their powerful on-screen chemistry to the roles of Louise and Ben Dalton, an American couple thrust into a nightmare scenario.
Directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake, The Woman in Black) and produced by Blumhouse, the studio known for suspenseful hits like The Black Phone, Get Out, and The Invisible Man, the film benefits from a strong ensemble cast that also includes James McAvoy (Split, Glass) and Aisling Franciosi (Game of Thrones, The Fall).
The story begins when Louise (Davis) and Ben Dalton (McNairy) and their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) accept an invitation from Paddy (McAvoy), Ciara (Franciosi), and their son Ant (Dan Hough) to spend the weekend at their countryside estate. Having met the British family while on holiday in Italy, the Daltons initially see them as ideal hosts. However, what starts as a relaxing getaway soon unravels into a chilling psychological nightmare.
At first, Paddy’s estate is picturesque, and their hosts offer warmth and generosity. But as the weekend progresses, unsettling cracks begin to show between the guests and their hosts. The whole thing culminates in an almighty showdown between the families when unsettling secrets are revealed.
James McAvoy’s portrayal of Paddy is both riveting and deeply disturbing. His unrestrained hospitality hides a sinister darkness that gradually consumes the film. As the tension escalates, the dream rural break turns into a waking nightmare, where social pleasantries devolve into a psychological game of survival.
James Watkins, known for his talent in weaving tension and social commentary into horror narratives, masterfully builds the suspense here. Much like his previous work in Eden Lake, Speak No Evil explores the fragility of modern societal norms and politeness, showing how those very rules can trap people in dangerous situations. Paddy’s alpha-male dominance takes centre stage, with McAvoy’s performance making it clear that beneath his charm lies a seething menace.
The dynamic between Davis’s Louise and McNairy’s Ben adds emotional depth to the film. Their relationship, already strained, is pushed to its breaking point as they grapple with the bizarre behaviour of their hosts. Davis brings a subtle yet powerful performance, capturing Louise’s growing unease and desperation. McNairy’s portrayal of Ben showcases a man struggling to protect his family, even as his own fears start to paralyze him.
In addition to the strong performances, Speak No Evil is backed by a stellar production team. The film’s haunting atmosphere is enhanced by Tim Maurice-Jones’ impressive cinematography, which captures the idyllic yet claustrophobic nature of the British countryside.
The film – adapted from the 2022 Danish horror Gæsterne by Christian and Mads Tafdrup – holds onto the sharp, unsettling core of the original while adding its own layers of suspense.
Blumhouse has once again proven its ability to elevate horror into the realm of high-stakes psychological drama, and Speak No Evil may well be one of the studio’s most accomplished works yet. It’s a gripping, unsettling exploration of human behaviour under pressure, where the lines between civility and survival blur into something terrifyingly real. At times, I almost forgot to breathe.
Speak No Evil is out in UK cinemas on the 12th of September, 2024.
