‘Speak No Evil’ James McAvoy Shines in Horror Remake (Review)

Speak No Evil

‘Speak No Evil’ is the new American version of the Dutch film titled the same. The story centers around two families who meet each other during a holiday.

One is a seemingly carefree and adventurous family with the father and mother played by James McAvoy and, Aisling Franciosi, with a child who’s mute. The other family, a stressed-out family of Mackenzie Davis, Scoot, and their daughter dealing with marital infidelity, and communication. When the fun family invites the struggling family over for a weekend at their house, the lines of appropriateness and civility are tested as the fun family may not be as fun as you think.

When it comes to horror films, particularly Blumhouse films, as of late it can be a hit or miss. the company has decided to dilute their horror films for younger audiences, and texture their filmography to include horror films meant for all ages. While that’s an interesting idea, ‘Speak No Evil’ proves that horror belongs in the R-rated genre, and that true horror comes not from the unknown, but from the uncomfortable.

Being uncomfortable is the name of the game for ‘Speak No Evil’. The story continually poses the question to its audience “Would you tolerate this?” with multiple scenarios between each family that both infuriate but reflect to whoever is watching. I love that idea that horror can come from just being at t thanksgiving dinner with someone with different ideas than you. Maybe a meeting with parents and teachers where you find out a family’s valuers don’t align with your own. How long do you tolerate something you do not?

The standout performance comes from James McAvoy, who continues to impress me with his versatility in performances and the ability to bring so much energy and charisma to his characters. He is hands down the best part of the film, and I continue to hope he gets more good leading-man performances because he absolutely deserves them.

The big question lingering in my mind is, is this better than the original and which should you watch? The answer is complicated because what you are hoping to get out of the film is crucial for what movie you should watch. If you are looking for a deep and maybe unexplained ending then the Dutch original version is for you. If you want a satisfying conclusion, the American version would be better. In my opinion, I prefer the Dutch version for its story and how the ending left me feeling, but I cannot deny the thunderous applause from my audience after seeing the American version. Both are good films, so if you are a die-hard movie fan like myself, watch both.

Overall, “Speak No Evil” is nightmare fuel for people-pleasers. Seeing it in a theater with a crowd will be a blast for anyone looking for a movie to watch this weekend and to have communal experiences with a crowd ready to scream at the screen. James McAvoy is a scene-stealing behemoth of an actor, and Mackenzie Davis is great. Did it reach the levels of the original? No, especially if you prefer the original ending over the American version. But still, check out both if you can, and let me know which you prefer!

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