Speak No Evil
James McAvoy as Paddy in Speak No Evil
Holidays are supposed to be all sun, fun, & relaxation – but Speak No Evil takes that idea, twists it into a knot, & gives you a knot in your stomach to match. This psychological thriller sets out to make sure you'll never look at a friendly holiday encounter the same way again.
A Sinister Holiday Friendship
In this 2024 remake of the Danish horror hit, Speak No Evil stars James McAvoy as Paddy, giving us his most twisted, disturbing performance since Glass & Split. The story begins on the sunny Italian coast, where a young family strikes up a friendship with Paddy & his partner, Ciara (Aisling Franciosi). Things seem innocent enough, with easy laughs & shared memories, but as soon as the holiday ends, the real nightmare begins.
The friendly couple invites their new pals to their countryside farmhouse in England. At first, all seems quaint & cozy, but soon you sense something lurking beneath the surface – something wrong with Paddy & Ciara’s picture-perfect family. Director James Watkins plays on that slow, creeping discomfort, building the tension between every smile & small talk.
Comedy & Chaos: The Balancing Act
What really makes Speak No Evil stand out from other thrillers is its unexpected blend of dark comedy & horror. Paddy’s sharp, awkward humour cuts through the tension at the most unsettling moments. His jokes make the audience laugh while feeling uneasy, throwing them off balance as they try to figure out just how dangerous this couple really is.
Are Paddy & Ciara simply weirdly inappropriate hosts, or is something far more sinister hiding behind those forced smiles? That tension drives the movie forward, leaving viewers questioning where the line between creepy & terrifying lies. The comedy doesn’t distract – it disturbs, making every laugh feel like the setup for something darker.
Predictable but Unnerving
Despite its unsettling tone & McAvoy’s excellent portrayal of a man unhinged, Speak No Evil struggles with one glaring flaw: it’s predictable. Horror fans familiar with similar narratives might see where things are headed long before the final act.
Yet, the film's themes of trust, jealousy, & manipulation keep it engaging. With its commentary on wokeness & toxic relationships layered into the horror, the movie offers more than just cheap thrills. If you're someone who enjoys dissecting the deeper meaning behind the madness, Speak No Evil gives you plenty to chew on.
Predictability aside, this thriller still manages to worm its way under your skin. For fans of the genre looking for some twisted discomfort with a dose of disturbing laughs, Speak No Evil delivers.
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