Speak No Evil

Solve your family problems not in other people's houses, especially if that house is in the woods.

The film Speak No Evil invites you to immerse yourself in a slow and painfully unfolding story about how adults face the destruction of their world under the weight of mutual expectations, communication problems, and an unwillingness to admit mistakes. And, of course, about the fact that sometimes the people around us can turn out to be real psychopaths.

The clever script at the beginning of the film captivates the viewer, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of a psychological thriller than a regular horror film. The plot is full of hints and omissions, and many questions arise in the viewer's mind. You want to delve into the backstories of the characters, unravel their motives, and understand what lies behind the antagonist's actions. It seems that his every move is carefully thought out, like a sinister puppeteer who is about to surprise us with his complex and sophisticated motivations.

And then you come back to reality, because the third act of this promising film turns into a typical slasher horror, where there’s no more genius, no more meaning, no more motivation. The bad guy is defeated, everyone is scared but saved, and they leave the scene of the tragedy in complete silence. Does it remind you of a dozen movies at once? Me too.

The highlight of Speak No Evil is the cast. James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis stand out in particular, and their performances elevate the film to a higher level. McAvoy brilliantly embodies the calculating and crazy maniac, while Davis excels in the role of a tired mother stuck in a marriage that brings only disappointment. It’s also worth mentioning the children, who do a commendable job in their roles, adding emotional depth to the film.

Despite an intriguing beginning and a strong cast, the film goes off the rails slightly at its ending. Still, it’s a decent option for an evening movie, though it doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.

6.5/10