This is a clever remake. It paces itself and builds on the aspects of kindness. All in all, though, it is just average. Speak No Evil is a remake of the 2022 Danish film with the same title. The Danish version was more realistic. This version has some intriguing parts, but not enough to sell its building curiosities which keep the audience asking what and why are the events in the film happening. It is written and directed by James Watkins. This is his most recent feature-length film as a director since The Take (2016). Watkins’ direction of Speak No Evil is subtle, yet passable as a psychological and horrific picture.

The film focuses on a family. The family consists of a set of parents, Ben and Louise Dalton (played by Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis). Ben and Louise have a daughter named Agnes (played by Alix West Lefler). They are invited to spend a weekend getaway at a home offering solitude in the countryside. They are hosted by another family whose parents are Paddy and Clara (played by James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi). Their son is Ant (played by Dan Hough). Both the kids have struggles, and both sets of parents feel the getaway will be a great escape for everyone. However, unusual episodes begin to arise. 

The film has set of dynamics in which parenting plays into the disturbing suspense. Normalcy is part of the context in Speak No Evil, but there is not much in this film. Questioning conflicts and concerning patterns of behavior are looped into the storyline especially in the scenes where Ben and Louise realize that Paddy’s parenting towards Ant is belittling and abusive. They also find themselves clashing as parents. The egos and expectations hit points of conflict that are intense enough to boil into a mental and physical rampage.

The question being asked by viewers throughout Speak No Evil is, “Are these families safe?” Is there a reason for episodes of weirdness and bizarre behavior to continue? The fact that the family is overseas ends up being beside the point as more shocking discoveries are made. It turns out that there is evidence below the surface that Ben, Louise, and Agnes are not aware of. 

The focus of concern becomes the actions of Paddy, in an effective performance by McAvoy. He goes on an angry tirade over even the most minor actions in various scenarios. Paddy also takes many issues extremely personally. This happens frequently in the parts when Ben and Louise express concern. When they do that, he dismisses it. The flow of the characterizations is looped into misdirection which results in increased chances of peril.

Speak No Evil is one of those remakes that rapidly delivers disturbing suspense. In the end, it is quite predictable. However, it provides an escape for some entertaining action at the movies because it’s a fun thriller to kick off the Halloween season. Overall, I rate Speak No Evil three out of four stars.