The upcoming horror film, Speak No Evil, directed by James Watkins and starring James McAvoy, is set to take audiences on a terrifying journey into the depths of human psychology. The movie is an English-language remake of the 2022 Danish film by Christian Tafdrup, and it promises to deliver a chilling and unsettling experience that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
The film follows Ben and Louise Dalton, a couple who travel to a picturesque country estate with their daughter Agnes, where they meet Paddy, a charismatic and unsettling host who lives with his wife and son. What initially seems like a perfect getaway quickly turns into a nightmare as Paddy begins to wage a psychological war against the Daltons. As the tension builds, Louise tells Ben, “They’re going to kill us,” suggesting that the family’s fight for survival has just begun.
Speak No Evil is Watkins’ first horror feature since The Woman in Black in 2012, and it marks a return to the genre that has been a staple of the horror community for decades. The film is produced by Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions, with Jason Blum and Paul Ritchie attached as producers. Upcoming projects from Blumhouse include Afraid, an AI-inspired horror film starring John Cho, and The Wolf Man, a remake of the 1941 monster movie of the same name.
A Still From Speak No Evil (Photo: Speak No Evil)
In an interview Tafdrup, the executive producer of the remake, explained that his goal was to create a relatable horror film that would disturb audiences without relying on supernatural elements. “I want them to be disturbed by it because that was one of our main intentions,” he said. “But I also wish that they can reflect upon how we live our lives, what we do to ourselves, and maybe we should sometimes be more honest about what we feel, and trust that intuition.”
Speak No Evil has all the makings of a classic horror film, with a unique premise that explores the darker side of human nature. The film’s use of psychological warfare as a means of generating tension is particularly noteworthy, as it allows the audience to become increasingly unsettled by Paddy’s manipulation of the Dalton family. Tafdrup’s goal to create a relatable horror film that will leave audiences disturbed, yet reflective, is a testament to the power of horror as a medium.
The film’s release date is set for September 13, 2024, and fans of the horror genre are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience this chilling new film. With its talented cast, including James McAvoy, Scoot McNairy, and Mackenzie Davis, Speak No Evil is shaping up to be a must-see horror film that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
