The look of disgust and rage on Scottish actor James McAvoy’s face in the photo above is that of Patrick Field, nicknamed Paddy. He watches his son dance to Cotton Eye Joefrom Rednex.
The actor seen in particular in Atonement, Split and the second series of films X-Men said in an interview with Empire having taken inspiration from the masculinist influencer Andrew Tate for the role. A version with a “polished face”, he stressed, of a toxic and dangerous man.
Yet Paddy was very friendly and generous when the Daltons met him during a trip to Italy. So much so that he invited the couple and their 11-year-old daughter to spend a few days in the southwest of England, in the countryside, where he resides with his charming wife, Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their withdrawn son, Ant (Dan Hough).
Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben (Scoot McNairy) have lost much of a social network or point of reference since moving to London. Ben was supposed to launch a new division of his Chicago-based firm there, but the plan fell through due to economic reasons. He has decided to stay in the British capital even though his wife can’t find a job in public relations. Their marriage is strained and their anxiety spills over onto Agnes (Alix West Lefler), who can’t live without her stuffed rabbit Hoppy.
Despite everything, they accept the invitation in the hope of changing the evil place. Paddy and Ciara are welcoming, but a few remarks and behaviors, as well as a stain on their bed sheets, irritate Louise. Ben does not care. In Paddy, he sees a confident man, in control. Although the disturbing actions of the hosts multiply, the fear of confrontation paralyzes the guests. A discovery revealed by the children will turn their fear of discomfort into fear for their lives.
James Watkins’ approach (The Woman in Black, Eden Lake) remains that of the conventional thriller, but its fine and frank writing helps to convey a message about our propensity to tolerate the unacceptable. Paddy’s toxicity is rarely confronted, and he usually manages to be excused or to defuse the situation thanks to his dubious humor or his often intimidating charisma.
James McAvoy’s performance is remarkable, among other things, because it evokes facets of a personality type that is familiar to us. His interpretation goes well beyond the behaviors observed in everyday life, but remains highly credible.
The entire cast is just as good, especially the two children and Canadian Mackenzie Davis (Terminator – Dark Fate, Tully), who studied at McGill University. In addition to the acting, the locations help to maintain the sense of uncertainty about the situation. The landscape surrounding Paddy and Ciara’s small farm inspires calm and serenity, while the interior is cluttered and dark. The work of production designer James Price deserves to be highlighted. Also that of cinematographer Tim Maurice-Jones, who, with James Watkins, shot disturbing scenes both in broad daylight and in the dark, without ever hiding the details in the darkness.
Speak No Evil is a remake of a 2022 Danish film of the same title. If you survived Christian Tafdrup’s original, this new version may seem lightweight, but should still keep you quiet for nearly two hours.
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Horror suspense
Speak No Evil
(VF: Don’t say anything)
James Watkins
With James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot Mcnairy
1 h 50