Speak No Evil – REVIEW

As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the cinematic landscapes of many nations, I must say that Speak No Evil is a thrilling journey that masterfully weaves elements of suspense and psychological drama. The remake, directed by James Watkins, retains the original’s essence while injecting a unique British flair, much like how a fine wine matures with time.

As a devoted movie critic, I can attest that adhering to the ancient Buddhist mantra of “See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil” becomes quite challenging when the BBC persists in airing a Mrs. Brown’s Boys Christmas Special annually. However, in the case of the chilling horror-thriller “Speak No Evil,” directed by James Watkins and co-written with the original screenwriters, I must admit that remaining silent has never been more tempting. This remake of a Danish psychological thriller promises to keep you on edge from start to finish.

As a film enthusiast, I first encounter the characters Ben (played by Scoot McNairy) and Louise (Mackenzie Davis), along with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), basking in the beautiful Italian sun on vacation. They seem to be navigating skillfully around a persistent Danish family who insistently discuss their passion for cooking with mushrooms, which they find less than engaging.

In a surprising turn of events, their deliverance manifests as Paddy (James McAvoy), a jovial father, and his wife Clara, along with their mute son Ant (Dan Hough). Initially hesitant, they eventually find themselves warming up to these new companions. An amusing incident occurs when Paddy successfully diverts the Danish family from joining them. As with many holiday acquaintances, ‘we must stay in touch’ is a phrase exchanged, but unlike others, it proves to be more than just words. Upon their return to the UK, Paddy maintains contact, inviting them over for a weekend at his countryside farmhouse.

It’s quite evident that this move isn’t going to turn out well, given the strained relationship between Louise and Ben from past incidents, and Paddy’s odd behavior which sometimes borders on autism, creating uncomfortable situations as a ‘joke’. Their vacation seems troubled, and while Ben tries to brush it off, Louise senses something amiss. Paddy appears to take pleasure in causing awkward moments, and soon small disagreements escalate. The behavior of Paddy and Clara, particularly during the cringeworthy restaurant scene, is intentionally awkward. Their son, who remains mysteriously silent, seems to know more than he’s willing to reveal. The fact that Ben and Louise’s new friends seem to put their own daughter in precarious situations hints that Paddy and Clara’s previous guests might have been the McCann family.

Director James Watkins skillfully amplifies the suspense by depicting a common British trait – their inclination to accommodate guests, even when it means tolerating blatantly wrong actions. This knack for escalation is evident in his work, notably in The Woman in Black and particularly in his debut film, Eden Lake, a British gem that’s underrated but worth finding. Predictably, the storyline leads to the customary high-action climax reminiscent of Straw Dogs. The entire cast delivers exceptional performances, but this is predominantly McAvoy’s movie, as he convincingly portrays multiple characters, much like his role in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split. Mackenzie Davis also holds her own against McAvoy’s persuasive and sometimes overbearing charm.

Gradually peeling back each layer unveils a captivating, edge-of-your-seat thriller with Speak No Evil – one that will keep you hooked until the very last page.

Here’s the Speak no Evil trailer…..

2024-09-10 02:23

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