Speak No Evil (2024), directed by James Watkins, is a gripping psychological thriller that delivers one of the most intense cinematic experiences of the year. A remake of the 2022 Danish film by Christian and Mads Tafdrup, the film’s unsettling atmosphere and stellar performances push it into the upper tiers of the genre. Though I haven’t seen the original Danish version, I was told that it follows a similar path up until the final 30 minutes, where Watkins’ take shifts away from horror and leans more heavily into suspense and thrills, offering a different ending. The cast includes James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, and Dan Hough, all of whom contribute to the film’s unnerving tension.

The story follows Ben (McNairy) and Louise Dalton (Davis), who, along with their daughter Agnes (Lefler), accept an invitation from Paddy (McAvoy) and Ciara (Franciosi) to spend a weekend at their country house. What begins as a seemingly innocent vacation quickly turns sinister as the Daltons find themselves ensnared in a web of escalating discomfort and fear, orchestrated by their bizarre hosts.

The performances in Speak No Evil are its standout feature. James McAvoy, in particular, shines as Paddy, a man who starts off as friendly yet slightly "off", gradually revealing a darker, more menacing side. McAvoy’s ability to shift from charm to chilling intensity is masterful, making his character’s transformation deeply unsettling. Aisling Franciosi is also chilling as Ciara, and the two work in tandem to create a mounting sense of dread.

Mackenzie Davis is superb as Louise, a mother whose instincts are constantly at odds with the societal pressure to be polite. One pivotal moment early in the film involves Louise allowing her daughter to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, despite her maternal instinct. This scene foreshadows the growing tension throughout the movie—Louise and her family are placed in increasingly uncomfortable situations that they struggle to say no to, trapped by their desire to avoid seeming rude or difficult. The tension between Louise and her husband Ben, played by Scoot McNairy, adds another layer to the conflict. Ben’s reluctance to confront their hosts, prioritizing appearances over his family’s safety, drives a wedge between him and Louise as the situation spirals out of control.

The film is structured into three parts: the unsettling setup, the explosive reveal of what’s really going on, and the eruptive climax. Each act increases the tension, making the audience feel as if they’re on a rollercoaster that only descends deeper into terror. Dan Hough’s portrayal of Ant, Paddy and Ciara’s mute son, adds an extra layer of mystery and fear. 

While Speak No Evil succeeds in building nearly unbearable tension, a few character decisions—such as the family returning to the house after their daughter leaves behind a stuffed animal—may leave audiences scratching their heads. Still, the film’s haunting atmosphere and strong performances make it one of the most thrilling films of 2024, easily surpassing other recent offerings like A Quiet Place: Day One.