For the American couple Louise and Ben, it is a real endurance test. When do they reach the limits of their politeness? In “Speak No Evil” they initially seem to be able to endure it for a long time. But it is precisely their fear of conflict that ultimately becomes their undoing in the new horror film starring actor James McAvoy (“Split”, “Glass”).
Adaptation of a Danish horror thriller
The story is not new, but still worth seeing. James Watkins’ thriller is an adaptation of a 2022 Danish film of the same name by Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup.
Watkins’ version actually starts off very harmoniously: Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben (Scoot McNairy) are on holiday in Italy with their daughter Agnes when they meet the British couple Paddy (McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their mute son Ant. They accept an invitation from their new friends and visit them in their country house.
Horror film setting: dark streets and house in the woods
This is already the perfect setting for a horror thriller. Paddy and Ciara’s property is located in a remote forest and can only be reached by car via dark roads. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that their hospitality is overshadowed by a perfidious secret. At the same time, Ben and Louise feel increasingly uncomfortable, but remain (pretended) polite to avoid conflict.
“Speak No Evil” manages to take these social dynamics to the extreme. This creates a plot that is gripping and disturbing for the most part, but also very brutal towards the end. For a long time, the horror takes place on a psychological level.
However, Paddy and Ciara’s motives for their hospitality remain rather superficial. McAvoy particularly stands out as a charismatic but also impulsive country house owner.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240919-930-236810/1
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