When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic farmhouse of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.
With a riveting performance from James McAvoy and a strong supporting cast, SPEAK NO EVIL will appeal to adult audiences who enjoy psychological suspense thrillers.
Watch the trailer here:
Our editor attended the media screening of this new film – here’s what she thought:
“If you’re into psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, then Speak No Evil is the film for you. Two couples – one American and one British – meet during an idyllic holiday in Italy, after which Paddy (the offbeat English doctor portrayed brilliantly by James McAvoy) invites the American Dalton family to visit their home in the countryside for a weekend. From the get-go, the Daltons realise that their hosts are a little peculiar, and sometimes downright inappropriate, and before long they become increasingly suspicious. A slow burn, the greater part of the film takes place in the idyllic English countryside, and throughout the first three quarters of the film, the audience is left guessing as to what sinister information is going to be revealed. The slow pace of the film is ramped up rapidly in the last half an hour, when Paddy’s grim secrets are revealed and the Daltons are left to fend for their lives.
The film offers an interesting take on society’s view of politeness, as the Daltons – time and again – put aside their concerns (which were very valid, by the way), in an effort to be polite and to not offend their hosts. They do this to a point of frustration, putting into question why so many of us allow others to mistreat us or be cruel, without standing up for ourselves.
No one plays evil quite like James McAvoy, who is so convincing as Paddy. His demeanor and mannerisms in the film reminded me of Jack Nicholson in The Shining, and his presence is undeniably eerie.
The plot kept me guessing, and while I knew something sinister was coming, I wasn’t able to predict what it was, nor did I predict the ending. It’s a solid thriller and definitely worthy of a night out.” Anien – Editor
