Skip to main content

Speak No Evil (2024)

 

Speak No Evil is a thriller about a family terrorized by another family that invited them over for the weekend.

James Watkins' take on a thriller with political undertones has an odd balance. I would have put the film back in the editorial oven for another fifteen minutes. Regarding shots, they were 'interesting' and could have been a lot worse. He has learned more since The Woman in Black, but not too much. 

The writing makes you hate the villain played by the stellar James McAvoy but even more so the unheroic father. Scoot McNairy nails the weak, pathetic, and unsympathetic husband. He's even more beta having a wife played by the beautiful and former Terminator heroine, Mackenzie Davis. She's also a full two inches taller than him so it even further cements that she wears the pants in the relationship, but the dialogue has her playing the supportive wife.

Despite its writing flaws, Davis and McAvoy really put in work to make the film worthwhile to watch. Result: B+

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Superman (2025)

S uperman (2025) brings the Man of Steel back to the big screen in a bold, colorful new start for the DC Universe. Directed by James Gunn , known for Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad , this might be his second-best film. It finds the right balance between hope, humor, and action without falling into the over-jokey MCU-esque trap. Gunn’s love for the character shines through, and the world feels lived-in and full of potential. David Corenswet , previously seen in Pearl and Hollywood , steps into the cape and owns it. He’s sincere, powerful, and manages to give Superman the warmth that has been missing in recent versions. It’s a classic take that still feels fresh. Nicholas Hoult , known for The Menu and Mad Max: Fury Road , is the best Lex Luthor we’ve had. He plays the character with intelligence and menace, but never turns him into a cartoon. He’s unpredictable in the right way and commands every scene he’s in. Skyler Gisondo , best known for The Righteous Gemsto...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bring Her Back (2025)

Bring Her Back is a slow-burning elevated horror that leans into grief, gore, and occult horror more than traditional jump scares. Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou , the duo behind Talk to Me , the film feels more confident this time around. The pacing is tight, the tone never wavers, and there isn’t a single wasted scene. It’s got that A24 signature of letting dread simmer just under the surface while slowly turning up the volume. Brutal when it needs to be, but never flashy for the sake of it. Billy Barratt takes the lead and does a solid job balancing emotion and shock. He plays it straight and raw, and while a few moments feel a bit much, it fits the role. He sells the trauma and anchors the early part of the story well. Sally Hawkins brings a quiet intensity as the grieving mother. She’s best known for The Shape of Water , and here she uses that same subtle expression work to say more than any dialogue could. Her screen time is limited, but she leaves a lasting mark. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)

  From the World of John Wick: Ballerina follows a trained assassin seeking revenge in the familiar but slightly off-center world of Wick's underground. Directed by Len Wiseman , best known for Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard , the film has his usual stylized flair. It feels just different enough from the mainline Wick entries to stand on its own. There’s still that slick gun-fu and neon-drenched worldbuilding, but with a touch more grace and a little less grit. Wiseman’s touch gives it personality without straying too far from the formula. Ana de Armas , coming off action-heavy roles in No Time to Die and The Gray Man , does a great job handling the physicality. The choreography doesn’t pretend she’s stronger than her frame allows. Instead, she’s thrown around like Peter Parker, flipping, dodging, and surviving through skill and speed. It’s refreshing to see an action film acknowledge size and weight realistically. She’s believable, stylish, and focused. Keanu Reeves a...
Post a Comment
Read more