Speak No Evil, directed by James Watkins, adapts a Danish thriller that originally debuted in 2022. The English-language version stars James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy and features the story where a family trip turns nightmarish.
The film, produced by Blumhouse and released by Universal Pictures, made its debut in theaters on September 13, 2024. Set against the backdrop of a deceptive countryside retreat, the film explores the limits of social politeness when faced with unsettling oddities and looming threats.
However, it has been confirmed by viewers that Speak No Evil does not contain any post-credits or mid-credits scenes.
What is Speak No Evil about?
In Speak No Evil, the plot follows the Dalton family: Louise, Ben, and their daughter Agnes. They head to the countryside for a relaxing weekend. The family visits the home of Paddy and Ciara, a couple they met during a holiday in Italy.
The Daltons are seeking a respite from city life and personal turmoil back home. Initially, they are charmed by their hosts' welcoming gestures, but the atmosphere soon shifts as peculiar and unsettling behaviors emerge from Paddy and Ciara.
The farmhouse is secluded and picturesque, serving as the perfect backdrop for the psychological drama. It becomes increasingly clear that their hosts have a disturbing agenda. Subtle manipulations and uncomfortable situations escalate, testing the Daltons' politeness and pushing the boundaries of their comfort. The tension reaches its peak when Agnes and Ant, Paddy and Ciara's son, discover a horrifying secret. They find a collection of belongings from various families, hinting at a sinister pattern of luring guests for malevolent purposes.
The climax of the movie sees the Dalton family realizing the grave danger they are in. The Daltons must find a way to escape from the grips of their hosts, who are now openly hostile and intend to harm them. The story resolves with a desperate and intense confrontation as the Daltons outsmart and overcome Paddy and Ciara to save themselves and Ant.
Cast and characters of Speak No Evil
The cast of Speak No Evil features James McAvoy as Paddy, the enigmatic and ultimately menacing host whose charm initially hides his true intentions. McAvoy is known for his dynamic roles in various genres and delivers a performance that shifts from congenial to threatening.
Mackenzie Davis stars as Louise Dalton, the maternal figure of the Dalton family, who finds herself increasingly uneasy with their hosts' bizarre behavior. She effectively portrays the character of a woman caught between politeness and her growing instinct to protect her family. Davis has starred in movies like Terminator: Dark Fate, Happiest Season, and Swimming Home, among others.
Scoot McNairy takes on the role of Ben Dalton, Louise's husband, who is skeptical of the weekend getaway. McNairy's portrayal creates a sense of tension within the family dynamic, reflecting his character's frustrations and fears.
Alix West Lefler portrays Agnes, the young daughter of the Daltons. Her innocence and curiosity about her surroundings play a crucial role in the horror elements of the story. Her interactions with Ant, played by Dan Hough, drive many of the film's climactic revelations.
Aisling Franciosi portrays Ciara, Paddy’s wife, whose initially warm demeanor gradually reveals a disturbingly cold and calculating side. Francoisi's performance complements McAvoy's, creating a formidable and frightening duo. Dan Hough's role as Ant introduces a silent but critical character, central to the film's twist.
Speak No Evil is now showing in theaters.