Despite its flaws, this remake is a thrilling time thanks to James McAvoy’s performance.
There is something so intriguing about a thrilling isolation movie. Sometimes it doesn’t work well like in 2016’s Passengers. But more times than often, when it does function properly, it can instantly become a classic with substantial rewatch value. Speak No Evil is far from a perfect film. But the tone, suspense, and dark comedy in this remake makes for a surprisingly really good time in the theater.
Speak No Evil follows a family who that recently moved to London, who is invited by a couple to stay the weekend in their country farmhouse. What seems like a fun weekend getaway with different experiences than the city life quickly turns into a nightmare.
There are a few things that standout in Speak No Evil, but James McAvoy’s performance as Paddy is the strongest aspect. Reminiscent of his performance in Split, McAvoy commands the screen with his brilliant acting and ability to hypnotize viewers with his facial expressions. He really takes command of this role and I couldn’t see the movie functioning well without him. In addition to his performance, the tone and suspense in Speak No Evil are executed very well, which comes as no one surprise since this hails from director James Watkins, who made the thrilling miniseries ‘The Ipcress File’. While the film is predictable at times, overall it keeps you guessing while sustaining a feeling of dread throughout. It’s also surprisingly very funny, especially in the first few acts.
There are several issues with Speak No Evil that keeps it from being a great movie though. One of those issues is that that family Paddy is targeting isn’t that interesting. This may have been the point, but at the end of the day you just don’t find yourself really rooting for the family to survive the weekend. Scott McNairy delivers a fine, albeit whiney performance as Ben Dalton. He often comes across as helpless which is funny and fitting, but it works against some aspects in the third act as they face off against Paddy. Mackenzie Davis gives a better performance as Louise Dalton, even though it is one dimensional. Alix West Leftler is fantastic as a child actress with her role of Agnes Dalton.
What works against Speak No Evil the most is the absolute wild character decisions made by the family in the third act. This is one of those movies where you will be screaming at the screen, asking why they’re running upstairs instead of out the front door. On one hand, it works a little bit because it does portray them as a helpless family that would have no idea what to do in this situation. The problem though is they really are that clueless and they should have no chance against a psychopath like Paddy and his wife Ciara. Yet….. they do because….. reasons? There was a missed opportunity to have Paddy demolish them in the third act. While it is entertaining, it lacks many “wow” factors to really take it to the next level.
All of that being said, Speak No Evil is still very entertaining and worth your time. There are some missed opportunities that could have made it great, but it is still a good time despite its flaws. McAvoy’s performance alone is worth seeing this in theaters and it’s one of the better films of the year so far. There is also a lot of rewatch value with Speak No Evil, so don’t be surprised if you want to watch it again once it hits streaming services.