Speak No Evil: Review & Summary
While James McAvoy tapping into his crazy brings on some level of entertainment, as a whole, “Speak No Evil” plays it safe for a film despite its violence.
Plot Summary
With life being a bit tumultuous lately for Louise, Ben, and Agnes, it was decided they should go on vacation. Agnes, an 11-year-old, could be seen as bored as her mom lounged and dad often was a square, but things changed upon meeting Paddy, Ciara, and Ant. Paddy was a spitfire whose extroverted nature was fun and a bit shocking, but Agnes and Ben initially liked it.
However, the more time Louise spent with Paddy and his family, the more uncomfortable she felt, and eventually, Paddy’s family gave her a reason that Ben couldn’t play down.
Noted Cast and Characters Of “Speak No Evil”
Scoot McNairy As Ben
Ben is a bit down on his luck at the moment, but he is trying to turn the page by spending time with his family, being optimistic, and a bit more engaged.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Blood for Dust.”
Mackenzie Davis As Louise
Louise is struggling a bit. To support Ben, she left her successful career in the United States, is trying to restart it in England, while deal with a husband who asks for a lot but doesn’t give much back.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Station Eleven.”
Alix West Lefler As Agnes
Agnes is 11 and still carries a stuffed animal, which is worrisome to both of her parents.
James McAvoy As Paddy
Paddy introduces himself as a doctor who has decided to, with his family, live a simpler life in a more rural area and set aside the need or pursuit of material things for experiences and community.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Filth.”
Aisling Franciosi As Ciara
Ciara is Paddy’s wife, who keeps him young.
Dan Hough As Ant
Ant is Ciara and Paddy’s son who Paddy is quite hard on, which mirrors some of the abuse Paddy notes he went through growing up.
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
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Highlights
James McAvoy Bringing The Creep Factor
McAvoy taps into the madness we saw in “Split” as Paddy. He gives you someone who sometimes comes off primal and calculated, smiles at you while ready to stab you after you turn around, and reminds you why many grew up under “Stranger Danger” guidelines. For just as much as Paddy can be charming, he can snap, with or without alcohol in his system, and be deranged.
All of this will make you appreciate McAvoy bringing the fear and creep factor that not too many other actors in “Speak No Evil” do.
On The Fence
While Knowing What Will Happen Doesn’t Ruin The Movie, Seeing All The Times Louise’s Family Could Have Left Does
Like most movies, the trailer for “Speak No Evil” gives away what is going to happen. Despite this, it doesn’t take away from how creepy McAvoy is, the question of whether Ant is a victim or bait, or even the seeds it plants regarding maybe not taking up the opportunity to hang out with strangers.
With that said, multiple times in the movie, you see when and where Louise and her family could have avoided what was to come. This could be frustrating to you, far more than a trailer that gives too much away.
It Plays It Safe To A Point
While the film earns its R rating through drinking, cursing, gun violence, and more, I wouldn’t say it is shocking, notably violent, or anything which the average person hasn’t become accustomed to. There is no gross depiction of Ant’s tongue being cut or the threat of doing it again. It’s just a giant cat and mouse game of a movie, with the mice not knowing they are prey and just thinking, at first, the cat is just fluffy and friendly.
The Gist
The TLDR Recap/ Review
- Louise, her husband Ben, and their daughter Agnes are on vacation in Italy, from London, where they have recently moved from America.
- It’s a rather dull affair originally, with seemingly no one enjoying themselves until Paddy, his wife Ciara, and their son Ant appear.
- Ant is someone for Agnes to play with and when it comes to Paddy and Ciara? They are fun, a bit naughty, and raise red flags for Louise.
- Ben plays it down, but when they decide to visit Paddy’s home in a rural area, Louise’s red flags begin dripping with blood, and they learn Paddy’s charm is bait for sheep he and his family can slaughter.
- The main selling point of “Speak No Evil” is James McAvoy, for the film isn’t inventive and doesn’t include notable twists or any real hook beyond McAvoy’s performance.
- It generally plays it safe, to a frustrating extent, and add in there aren’t notable layers or complications to any of the characters worth noting, and this becomes a film to hold you over until something better comes around.
- Hence, while “Speak No Evil” isn’t terrible overall, it is the kind of film that A-List and streaming platforms were made for since it is a challenge to justify paying $15+ just to see this movie and not having access to many more.
General Information
Where You Can Watch This:
| Film Length | 1 Hour 50 Minutes |
| Date Released (In Theaters) | September 12, 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Crime, Drama, Horror |
| Content Rating | Rated R |
| Character | Actor |
| Ben | Scoot McNairy |
| Louise | Mackenzie Davis |
| Agnes | Alix West Lefler |
| Paddy | James McAvoy |
| Ciara | Aisling Franciosi |
| Ant | Dan Hough |
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Director(s)
James Watkins
Writer(s)
James Watkins, Christian Tafdrup, Mads Tafdrup
Content Information
- Dialog: Cursing
- Violence: Gun Violence, Family Violence, Gore, Blood, Torture, Notable Fight Scenes
- Sexual Content: Sexual Situations (Implied)
- Miscellaneous: Drinking, Drug Use, Smoking
- Are There Jump Scares: Yes
- Is There a Chance It Will Make You Cry: No
Is There A Mid-Credit or Post-Credit Scene For “Speak No Evil?”: No
