Not since 2016's 'Split' has the Scottish actor been so convincingly terrifying A home invasion tale in reverse, Speak No Evil is one of the most chilling and effective horror -thrillers you’ll see this year. Ignore the generic-sounding title, because there’s nothing cookie-cutter about James Watkins’ remake of the Danish 2022 film Gaesterne , largely thanks to a gloriously unhinged performance from James McAvoy. The Scottish actor from Shameless and the X-Men franchise hasn’t had this much fun on screen in years.
The film begins in tranquil settings as couple Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Louise ( Mackenzie Davis ) and their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) encounter another family on holiday. The boisterous Paddy (James McAvoy), a doctor, is soon encouraging them to join her, his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their withdrawn son Ant (Dan Hough) for lunch. By the end of the week, they’ve exchanged details and Paddy leaves an open invitation for Ben and the others to visit them at their country pile in deepest, darkest Somerset.
After some initial hesitancy, Ben and Louise decide a restorative week away from the city might be just what they need. But no sooner do they arrive than red flags start popping up all over the place. Initially, it’s small things, like the stained bed sheets that they’re made to sleep on, but these guests are far too polite to say anything.
Paddy and Ciara also cook meat for their first night’s meal, forcing a morsel of this tasty bird.