James McAvoy. That’s it, that’s the review and that should be enough when describing the spine-tingling and utterly gripping horror thriller Speak No Evil. James Watkins is a filmmaker who knows a thing or two about gripping horror films as he has crafted some truly unforgettable classics such as The Woman in Black and Eden Lake. It is unusual to see an English remake of an international film act so confident and smart that it just about holds up to the original story. It helps that the film takes a lot of cues from the original film while maintaining the integrity of the characters and stories. Some of the violence may have been dialled down but the atmosphere and performances are upped in every possible way thanks to the amazing cast.
Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis play Ben and Louise Dalton who are on holiday in Italy with their daughter Agnes. While in the luxurious country they come across Paddy and Ciara, another couple who are played by James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi, who are vacationing with their son Ant. Everything is peaceful and they all become friends to the point where the Daltons are invited to visit the couple at their farmhouse back in England. Things soon start to feel unsettling when Ben and Louise notice odd behaviour with Ant and they soon start seeing a completely different side to the lovely couple they met back in Italy.
The whole film has a sense of uneasiness. The writing and dialogue is very finely written to the point where we are given all the information we need to construct our own idea of how the story unfolds while also maintaining a sense of mystery over the whole situation as well. It is clear that there is an ulterior motive for inviting the Daltons to the farmhouse, especially considering it is isolated in the countryside too with no-one around for miles. The horror aspect of the story kicks in within the latter part of the film and this is where the story gets more interesting and gripping. It is here where the film is set a night and where the Dalton’s are literally fighting for their lives. To explain any more would ruin the film and instead it is much better to experience it firsthand.
James McAvoy steals the show in another horror film after the disturbing thriller Split. His smile, physical presence and character beats all have a sense of dread with a very threatening undertone. His fatherly skills are not exactly the best either and that is more down to the acting rather the script, both of which McAvoy completely owns and bring his own unique take to the character. McNairy and Davis are equally compelling but are not as fleshed out as the original characters from the original film. It feels like Speak No Evil doesn’t take as many risks as the original film but that doesn’t negate this story at all, it is still equally brilliant, terrifying and chilling.
★★★★☆
4/5
Final Verdict:
Speak No Evil is at the centre of everything a family drama. Two families attempt to make friends with each other but there is something dark and twisted hiding in plain sight. There are no supernatural elements or forces at play here, instead we are treated to a human story about human nature. James Watkins as a filmmaker is very careful in how he allows the story to unfold and the result is something you just can’t predict. Speak No Evil is a rare remake where it stands just as equal as the original film.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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