James McAvoy delivers a chilling performance in the psychological horror thriller Speak No Evil, now streaming on Netflix. The 2024 remake of the 2022 Danish-Dutch film has been met with widespread acclaim from audiences, earning high ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
Plot Overview
The film follows an American couple on holiday in Italy who befriend a British family and accept an invitation to spend the weekend at their secluded countryside farmhouse in Devon. What begins as a dreamy getaway quickly descends into terror as the American family uncovers their hosts' sinister intentions. McAvoy stars as the British patriarch Paddy, alongside Aisling Franciosi as his wife Ciara. Mackenzie Davis plays Louise Dalton, with Scoot McNairy as her husband Ben.
Audience Praise
Viewers have lauded the film's masterful setup and McAvoy's performance. One IMDb reviewer wrote: 'The setup is masterful. Nothing big happens this entire act, yet I found myself smiling and intrigued. It's a perfect example of how you can still create intrigue without needing action.' Another commented: 'James McAvoy – what a powerhouse. Honestly, just put this guy in every horror movie from now on.'
A third reviewer gave the film 9/10, calling it 'surprisingly great' and noting: 'This movie had my anxiety level through the roof. James McAvoy is so incredibly good at making the audience feel uneasy throughout the film.' Another viewer stated: 'James McAvoy's acting was phenomenal. The way he portrayed the character with such depth made it feel like he wasn't even acting.'
Critical Reception
The film has been described as 'one of the best horror films of the year' by some viewers. A fifth reviewer gave a 10/10 review titled 'Heart racing thriller,' writing: 'I'm a McAvoy fan, he's a vastly underrated actor... this is a slow burn, tense, creepy film which builds to an explosive crescendo.' Another Rotten Tomatoes user posted: 'Loved this movie. Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire movie.'
Production Details
Speak No Evil was shot across multiple locations, including Groznjan in Croatia and the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, which doubled as the Devon farmhouse. The film is now available to stream on Netflix.
