By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
I previously thought
James McAvoy ("The Book of Clarence") had reached the zenith of maddening, menacing, and sinister performances with his roles in "Split" and "Glass."
However, his portrayal in the new movie
"Speak No Evil" transcends those benchmarks, offering a masterclass in psychological horror.
McAvoy's nuanced and chilling performance elevates this film to a new level of unsettling brilliance, showcasing his extraordinary ability to delve into the darkest corners of the mind.
Directed and co-written by
James Watkins (TV'’s "The Ipcress File") and featuring a screenplay by brothers
Christian and Mads Tafdrup, who also crafted the 2022 original film of the same name, "Speak No Evil" is a nifty little thriller.
Mackenzie Davis ("Swimming Home") and
Scoot McNairy ("Nightbitch") star as Louise and Ben Dalton. They're on vacation in Italy with their daughter Agnes (an excellent, Alix West Lefler, TV's "Fire Country"). The family, having navigated recent job changes and other challenges, hopes this trip will strengthen their bonds and provide some well-deserved relaxation.
Their plans take an unexpected turn when they encounter a couple at their resort: Paddy, (McAvoy), and his wife Ciara, (Aisling Franciosi, "The Last Voyage of the Demeter"). Paddy is a brash, attention-seeking loudmouth, while Ciara, though initially appearing reserved, proves to be just as looney and annoying.
Honestly, it wouldn’t take me or my husband more than five minutes to assess these two clowns and decide to steer clear of them, even if our rooms were right next to each other.
But, for some reason, Louise and Ben are just so polite they can't say no to Paddy and Ciara even when they strongly suggest they stay a few days at their "quaint" countryside villa. They don't even know these people. But, hey Paddy's a doctor or so he says.
Things get even more bizarre once they arrive at Paddy and Ciara's house. For starters, the place is kind of junky and the bed Louise and Ben are sleeping on is stained and dirty.
Their "son" Ant (a very good Dan Hough, TV's "Hollyoaks") has a speaking disability caused by Paddy and Ciara.
The more Louise and Ben spend with Paddy and Ciara, they see clear red flags regarding their behavior, and they let so much slide. Like when Paddy disciplines Ant for not dancing properly with Agnes.
Ciara even tells Agnes how to chew her food which ticks off Louise to the point she calls her on it, but then backtracks when Ciara gives a lame excuse why she's so protective of kids.
At least Louise tries to stand up for her family. Ben is such a weasel. It takes Ant to show Agnes, what's really going on with Paddy and Ciara.
Once they are exposed for the straight up kidnappers and abusers that they are, Louise, Ben and Agnes try to escape, but another unfortunate series of events occur that turn their stay into an utter nightmare.
Louise, Ben and Agnes' dumb, eye-rolling decisions certainly play into the film's most teeth clenching moments.
While the entire cast steps up and delivers here, it's McAvoy who brings his A-game and makes "Speak No Evil" a truly unbelievable, nutsy, and terrifying experience.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"SPEAK NO EVIL"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
