Going out of your way to avoid offending someone is something everyone has done at some point. Speak No Evil (2024) delves expertly into the complex and profound ramifications of prioritizing the comfort of others over oneself, shedding light on the far-reaching and often unforeseen consequences of neglecting your needs or wants, especially when the consequences can be deadly.

Directed by James Watkins, known for his horror films Eden Lake (2008) and The Woman in Black (2012), Speak No Evil is a remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. I did not see this version because it was described as bleak and brutal. However, I did not expect those elements from the 2024 version, as remakes for the American audience tend to be more palatable, and Blumhouse hasn’t released a gory film in quite some time.

Billed as a psychological thriller, the movie follows an American family, Ben (Scoot McNairy), Louise (Mackenzie Davis), and their daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler). They are invited for a weekend trip to a countryside farmhouse by an eccentric British couple, Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), along with their son, Ant (Dan Hough). What starts as a whimsical adventure quickly becomes a harrowing game of pursuit and evasion.

I appreciated the gorgeous set design and captivating scenes depicting the couples’ retreat to “Tuscany” and the serene countryside farmhouse. Notably, most of the film was filmed in Croatia and Gloucestershire, England. The farmhouse was incredibly charming, featuring beautifully crafted stained-glass windows that, while pretty, made it easy for someone to peek in. Scattered around the interior were an assortment of intriguing knickknacks that Ciara had crafted.

James McAvoy’s performance in this movie is outstanding, stealing the show with his compelling portrayal that is reminiscent of his character, The Beast, from Split (2016). His ability to seamlessly transition from charming and charismatic to malevolent and psychopathic is remarkable. His performance is a must-see for any fan of psychological thrillers. This will be one of my favorite performances of the year. The rest of the lineup was well-cast, but McAvoy is a standout in this movie.

One surprising aspect was the unexpected humor in this movie. I would describe it as a thriller-comedy, because the film’s first half had several humorous scenes, whether it was an intentional joke or just plain awkwardness. While I can enjoy and appreciate a dark comedy, this tone carried through the entire movie, even during the third act when the tension and dread were building. I don’t know if that was intentional or not, but the sensation of fear had almost completely vanished.

The pacing was working well until halfway through the movie, and I started to wonder when something visceral would happen. With all that said, there were minimal scares. I jumped a few times, primarily due to forceful sound design, such as a gun firing or glass breaking.

Now, that doesn’t mean the movie doesn’t become intense. The last half-hour delivered an exhilarating experience, featuring gripping suspense, impactful lethal encounters, and an OK payoff.

I had initially anticipated a horror movie; however, it transpired to be more of a thriller, consequently leaving me feeling unfulfilled. Despite not having seen the original, I am familiar with what happens, and it does sound grim. This film felt like a diluted version of its counterpart. As an experienced fan of horror, I found myself left desiring more. The movie didn’t take any significant risks or introduce plot twists, so those with a more casual interest in horror or thriller genres may find this movie more appealing than I did. If anything, I want to go back and watch the original.

I’m rating this film three out of five stars because James McAvoy’s performance was outstanding, and it significantly enhanced the overall viewing experience.

Rated R — 1hr 50min