Speak No Evil 2024 Movie

James McAvoy owns the screen in this unsettling remake of the Danish thriller, portraying a man as magnetic as he is disturbing. His performance evokes his role in Split, distancing himself even further from his X-Men days, and confirms that psychological suspense is where he truly shines. From the first act, the film builds a thick tension that never lets go, helped by direction that smartly controls the threat. The pace stays high and the script goes for a less nihilistic tone than the original, but more digestible for a wide audience. Still, it doesn’t escape some Blumhouse tendencies: controlled violence, polished aesthetics, and twists aimed more at surprise than coherence. That said, the discomfort is real, and that’s essential in this genre. Where it stumbles is in the final act. The climax, which should have been explosive, falls short, shifting toward “action thriller” rather than existential horror. It also seems afraid to push too far — as if the script was softened to reach more viewers. That choice weakens its impact, though it remains effective. Even so, Speak No Evil does what many thrillers can’t: it keeps you hooked until the end, making you feel fear under your skin more than through jump scares. It’s not better than the original, just different — with stronger visuals and a narrative rhythm that feels more Hollywood than European. The ambition is welcome, even if the social critique doesn’t fully land. Ultimately, it’s a gripping and intentionally uncomfortable film, featuring one of the most intense performances of the year. McAvoy turns every scene into a minefield — reason enough to keep watching… even if you’d rather cover your ears.