Speak No Evil is a psychological horror thriller remake of the 2022 Danish-Dutch film of the same name.
While on holiday in Italy, American couple Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben Dalton (Scoot McNairy) and their pre-teen daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler) meet and befriend an outlandish British couple named Paddy (an excellent James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their son, Ant (Dan Hough.)
Paddy says his son doesn't talk, preferring to remain mute.
When Paddy and Ciara invite the Dalton's to their remote farmhouse in Devon, the family go, hoping a change of scenery will do them good.
Ant has a secret to share with Agnes that will change everything!
Director James Watkins slowly ups the tension but thankfully not at the expense of decent character work. The acting is stellar and the practical gory effects work well.
The final act is suitably unhinged with edge of your seat suspense. McAvoy is commanding as Paddy without overdoing it (and becoming a caricature) and this is a fine remake.
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DIRECTED BY: James Watkins. SCREENPLAY BY: James Watkins. RUNNING TIME: 110 minutes. CERTIFICATE: 15 / R. USA.
