Speak No Evil Review
It’s always been clear that horror films would see themselves remade. From a classic like Nosferatu to more recognizable ones like The Crow, the genre always wants to try out re-exploring their source materials in new ways. However, for a film that came out very recently like Christian Tafdrup’s Speak No Evil, there were obvious questions whether or not it should even be considered. Tafdrup’s Sundance piece was clearly unique for its two-sided approach to familial ideas, which were critically celebrated. So, when it comes to James Watkins’s remake of the 2022 film, does it do better?
James Watkins’s Americanized version of Speak No Evil still remains the same setup. A couple meets an unusual family after a dream vacation, slowly learning that they’re hiding more than they’re leading on. However, unlike Tafdrup’s more vulgar original film, Watkins decides to take a more nuanced approach. Watkins and Blumhouse’s take feels more thematically inclined to explore the adverse effects of distant familial relationships. It works for the most part all due to the performances by Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis, the “normal” couple.
McNairy and Davis do a great job convincing you that the Daltons might not overcome their situation. McNairy’s Ben is somewhat apathetic, presenting himself as a father who gives in to others rather than his own. Throughout the film, he slowly gets drawn into the odd family’s lifestyle, from drinking and letting out his rage, as a means to escape his fracturing marriage. Ben’s disinterest in his own family brings out the best of Davis’s Louise, who instantly begins recognizing all the red flags from the overt abuse. Davis’s striking performance empowers Louise to be a stronger parent and mother for their child, which was really needed.
On the other hand, James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi are deceptively captivating as Paddy and Ciara. McAvoy’s Paddy really reminds you of the actor’s role from Split as Paddy tries to keep his calm and raging sides in balance. He’s absolutely terrifying when he abusively berates Ant, the family’s “son” who’s unable to speak for horrific reasons. Paddy is, in some ways, enabled by Franciosi’s Ciara, who happily keeps up the facade even when Paddy nearly breaks down. Both of these characters are continuously cunning to the point where you can’t help but hope they’re not as bad as they seem (even when the trailers made them out to be so.)
All of these characters proudly shine together in Speak No Evil’s first two acts. Here, the cracks don’t only begin to show in Paddy and Ciara’s ambiguous attitudes, but also for Ben and Louise. Both Ben and Louise struggle with the fact that both of them are essentially cheating with each other, yet they still have a soft spot to love one another. While this fact is kept with subtlety with their facial expressions and all, the film turns away from its “show, don’t tell” by dropping this bombshell by the midway point. Fortunately, it’s able to get back on track with the bond developed between the kids, Ant and Agnes
Agnes and Ant, in this adaptation of Speak No Evil, are great additions to round out the film’s more optimistic undertones. Rather than downplaying the kids’ roles, Watkins allows them to be proactive in defying what Paddy and Ciara are planning. As such, it’s an interesting departure from the 2022 film by exploring how these contrasting family dynamics have impacted the kids’ childhoods. This adds a layer of complexity that was previously lacking and is only further enhanced by the performances of Alix West Lefler and Dan Hough.
Of course, Speak No Evil would not be the horror-thriller that it is without its action, which is heavily prevalent in its final act. Everything really does change here as Ben and Louise grow into their own confidence, yet some of their actions feel weird. They constantly move between the house and outside in some ways that make you wonder in addition to Paddy and Ciara being a bit more “Joker”-like. There’s a specific scene near the climax where Ciara has the family pinned and the cinematography ups the dramatic levels high. It might take out some viewers, but overall, this entire climax is extremely intense and perfect for what Watkins had in mind.
Speak No Evil, in its entirety, is an absolutely terrifying thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish. While it may be more lighthearted and “softer” than Tafdrup’s original film, its thematic approach allows it to stand out in the best way possible. From McAvoy’s charming, Split-inspired performance to the film’s The Strangers-inspired undertones, Speak No Evil will certainly get you scared speechless just in time for the Halloween festivities.
Speak No Evil arrives in theaters Friday, September 13.
Rating
★★★★☆
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.