“Speak No Evil” (2024)
“Speak No Evil” (2024) Review: An Eerie Remake that Packs a Punch
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
“Speak No Evil” (2024) is a chilling remake that takes psychological horror to uncomfortable heights. The film may follow familiar tropes, but it masterfully builds tension, tapping into deep emotional and social fears. James Watkins’ direction provides a fresh, albeit unsettling, approach to the story, and the performances, especially by James McAvoy, shine throughout.
The plot revolves around Ben (Scoot McNairy), Louise (Mackenzie Davis), and their daughter Agnes, who join a charismatic couple, Paddy (McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), for a weekend in a remote countryside house. The tension steadily grows, as the unsettling behavior of their hosts unravels into sheer terror. What starts as an awkward social interaction escalates into an emotional and violent psychological nightmare.
Performances and Atmosphere James McAvoy’s portrayal of Paddy is nothing short of magnetic. His ability to blend charm with menace makes him the perfect antagonist, pulling you into a performance that teeters between warmth and terrifying unpredictability. Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis excel as a couple trying to keep their family together while facing a situation that continuously defies logic. Their chemistry gives emotional weight to the film, especially in its darker, more frantic moments. McAvoy’s turn in this role has echoes of earlier intense characters he’s played, with an added layer of eeriness.
The tension is heightened by Watkins’ ability to frame the countryside as both beautiful and threatening. The cinematography lulls viewers into a false sense of security, only for the final act to unleash chaos in a dark, confined space. This shift mirrors classic home invasion tropes but feels fresh through Watkins’ lens, capturing the dread of isolation.
The Ending: A Mixed Bag While the original Danish version had a bleak, haunting conclusion, the 2024 remake changes things up. Watkins extends the final act, allowing the protagonists to fight back more dramatically than in the original. While this decision may appeal to wider audiences craving catharsis, some critics argue that the prolonged ending detracts from the oppressive tone that made the 2022 version so effective. That said, the film’s conclusion retains its emotional and thematic weight, focusing on the complex family dynamics that underpin the terror.
Final Thoughts Despite a few narrative hiccups, Speak No Evil is a must-watch for horror fans. The film grips you with its slow-burn tension, intense performances, and sharp direction. It doesn’t redefine the genre but stands as a solid, unsettling entry that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
For a deeper dive into the film’s themes and the original version, check out these full reviews:
- The Review Geek: Speak No Evil (2024) Movie Review(The Review Geek)
- RogerEbert.com: Speak No Evil (2024)(Roger Ebert)
Here are three different ratings for Speak No Evil (2024) based on varied analyses:
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Many viewers appreciated the unsettling psychological horror, highlighting its tension and disturbing themes, although some found the slow burn a bit much for their taste.
- IGN Review: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 IGN praised the movie for its strong performances and eerie atmosphere but critiqued its pacing and over-reliance on shock value, leading to a mixed reception.
- Letterboxd Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Fans on Letterboxd rated it highly, praising the film’s relentless intensity and dark themes that stayed with them long after watching.
These ratings reflect a spectrum of opinions on the film’s suspense and storytelling.
