James Watkins is notable for his work in the horror genre, having written and directed the movie “The Woman in Black” in 2012. He also directed the horror remake “Speak No Evil”, which was released September 2024.

The screenplay for the 2022 Danish horror hit Gaesterne, authored by Christian and Mads Tafdrup, served as the inspiration for “Speak No Evil.” The story revolves around an American family invited to spend the weekend in a secluded farmhouse owned by a British couple. As the situation gets worse, the owners start to push their guests to the edge and starts to make them feel uncomfortable.

Starring James McAvoy as Paddy and Mackenzie Davis as Louise Dalton.

American couple Louise and Ben Dalton and their daughter Agnes befriend Paddy and Ciara, a British couple on vacation in Italy. Tension over unemployment and infidelity drives the Daltons. Paddy and Ciara invite them to visit their farmhouse, hoping the change benefits Agnes, who struggles with anxiety and clings to a rabbit toy.

Some audience on Rotten Tomatoes go on and say it dragged out or say McAvoy was fantastic in the film as playing someone evil. The movie was good but started slow and hard to get into, watching the son and daughter try to talk and the amazing actor James McAvoy throughout the whole movie brings it together and makes it way better.

“Speak No Evil” is a twisted, suspenseful experience that keeps you engaged despite being a slow burn. The screenplay demands healthy suspensions of disbelief, and the ending probably will disappoint fans of the original. Otherwise, the film builds enough suspense and anxiety to support McAvoy’s performance.

Perhaps in the beginning of the film, if they cut the movie down an extra thirty minutes, the movie might have had a better experience for the audience. It could have helped the great ending and being able to see how everything comes together.