Speak No Evil reimagines the Danish film to be slightly more stomachable, but it is still intense and terrifying. James McAvoy was born for this role.
The Danish version of Speak No Evil came out only two years ago, so many fans were surprised to see an Americanized version releasing so soon afterwards. At the same time, most of them were thrilled when they saw that James McAvoy was attached – and the role her was playing. Have no fear thriller fans, this film was done justice. And yes, James McAvoy was born to play this character.
The movie follows an American family, the Daltons, who are vacationing in Europe. They meet a charming British family, with a child around the same age as theirs, and become vacation friends.
Before they go their separate ways, the British family invites them to come visit them in the countryside whenever they have a chance. It doesn’t take long after the Daltons arrive home to decide they need a break, and take them up on that offer.
From the moment they step into their new friends’ home, the dynamic of Speak No Evil completely changes. The first two acts of the film are unsettling and awkward, much like those of the original Danish film. Viewers are unsure how to feel or what to think, but they just know deep down something is not right.
James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi perfectly deliver that uneasiness directly from the screen to the audience. Sure, there are some really funny, comedic moments, but it is clear that there is something disturbing underneath it all – just waiting to come out.
A movie like this only works with the right casting choices. Thankfully every actor excels in their role – especially the young children actors. They need to be believable and Alix West Lefler (who plays Agnes Dalton) and Dan Hough (who plays Ant) bring their A-game.
Fans of the original film are rightfully cautious about this version. As much as I absolutely love the Danish version of Speak No Evil, the more I think about it, there is no world where I will ever be able to watch that movie again. It is far too disturbing and absolutely crosses a line in the third act – even if that makes the film as memorable as it is. We just do not see movies actually going there anymore, which should be apploaded, but will be too much for most viewers.
In an effort to avoid spoilers, I will not go into detail, but know that Speak No Evil (2024) brilliantly captures the same feel of the movie – with an unforgettable, high-octane, heart-pounding third act, while still making this something I am excited to revisit. There are only slight changes made, which feels very much like an effort to honor what came before it, and what makes this movie so special.
Speak No Evil comes to theaters on September 13th and trust me when I tell you, this is absolutely the environment to see it in. You will want to be with others who have no idea what a wild and disturbing ride they are in for. This film, simply put, is fantastic.
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About Speak No Evil
When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.
Speak No Evil comes to theaters September 13th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.