GENRE: Horror

*Spoilers

James Watkins’ Speak No Evil is a psychological horror film that digs deep into our discomforts and pushes us to question the boundaries of politeness and trust. A remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name, this version brings a slightly altered setting, yet keeps the core premise intact: an American family, invited by a seemingly friendly British couple to their farmhouse for the weekend, quickly realizes something is very, very wrong.

With a cast led by James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy, Speak No Evil is an intense ride that certainly delivers its share of unnerving moments. However, while it’s unsettling and masterfully shot, the film doesn’t always stick its landing, leaving viewers with mixed feelings about the overall experience.

A promising setup that gets uncomfortable quickly

The film follows Louise (Mackenzie Davis), Ben (Scoot McNairy), and their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), who meet Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) while vacationing in Italy. Initially, it seems like a simple, friendly connection—Paddy and Ciara are fun-loving, their son Ant (Dan Hough) is a little quirky but sweet, and they all hit it off.

Later, an invitation arrives for the American family to visit their new friends at a secluded farmhouse in the English countryside. It’s meant to be a relaxing weekend, but from the moment they arrive, it’s clear that something’s off.

The unease begins subtly—awkward silences, passive-aggressive remarks, and strange behavior. Louise and Ben start feeling increasingly uncomfortable with their hosts, and their concerns grow as they witness Paddy and Ciara’s disturbing treatment of their son Ant, who has a medical condition that affects his speech.

Their discomfort reaches a peak when Agnes is found sharing a bed with the intoxicated hosts—a moment that nearly drives the Daltons to leave. Yet, against better judgment, they stay, pulled back by Agnes’s attachment to her stuffed rabbit, an object that quickly becomes symbolic of the film’s escalating tension.

A predictable twists

James Watkins knows how to create tension, and he expertly uses the farmhouse’s isolated setting to nurture it. It’s a quiet horror, with Paddy and Ciara’s odd behaviors always leaving you wondering what’s real and what’s manipulation. The movie feels like a slow descent into a nightmare, and that creeping sense of unease is one of its greatest strengths.

However, while the uneasiness is well-maintained throughout the first half of the film, the plot eventually begins to feel predictable. Once the true nature of Paddy and Ciara’s plans comes to light—revealed through a chilling scene where Ant leads Agnes to a shed full of the personal belongings of past victims—the shock factor diminishes. From there, it’s a fairly straightforward game of cat and mouse, with the family trying to escape while their hosts slowly close in.

That’s not to say the movie doesn’t do a good job executing the terror. There are a few stand-out sequences, particularly in the final act when the Daltons realize they have to outsmart their captors to survive. But by the time we get to the climactic rooftop chase, some viewers may find themselves a step ahead of the film, already knowing where things are headed.

Great performances, especially from McAvoy and Davis

One of Speak No Evil’s saving graces is its cast. James McAvoy, as Paddy, is unnerving and magnetic. His performance walks the fine line between charming and menacing, keeping viewers constantly guessing about his true intentions. Mackenzie Davis, as Louise, is equally absorbing. Her portrayal of a mother struggling to protect her family while dealing with her own guilt over past infidelity feels real, which makes the horrors she faces all the more affecting.

Scoot McNairy, as Ben, playing a father caught between his desire to stay polite and his instinct to protect his family grounded the movie in reality. The chemistry between the three main actors feels authentic, making their ordeal all the more unsettling.

Child actors in horror films can often feel like plot devices, but Lefler did a great job portraying a child who is both vulnerable and resourceful. Her relationship with Ant adds an extra layer to the story, especially as the two children bond over their shared fears of the adults around them.

A good film, but it lacks a unique voice

Visually, Speak No Evil is beautifully shot. The remote farmhouse is idyllic and claustrophobic, a perfect setting for the slow unraveling of the characters. Watkins uses the isolation of the countryside to his advantage, making the outside world feel far away and unreachable, trapping the characters—and the audience—in this disturbing scenario.

As a remake, it’s hard not to compare it to the 2022 Danish version, which had a raw, almost documentary-like quality that heightened the tension. This American remake, while slicker and more polished, sometimes feels like it’s following a formula. The twists, while effective, don’t feel surprising, especially for viewers familiar with the original. It’s still a solid film, but it doesn’t quite stand out in the crowded landscape of psychological horror.

Overall, Speak No Evil is a well-acted psychological thriller. The performances, particularly from McAvoy and Davis, are strong, and the film’s unsettling horror is effective. But for all that, the story itself feels a bit too familiar, especially for fans of the genre or the original film.

If you’re looking for a decent psychological horror Speak No Evil is worth a watch.