When an unsuspecting American family accepts an invitation to spend a weekend at the picturesque farmhouse of a charming British couple they met on vacation, what starts as an idyllic retreat quickly becomes a psychological nightmare. Speak No Evil is the latest offering from Blumhouse, the studio behind The Black Phone, Get Out, and The Invisible Man, promising an intense and unsettling thriller for modern audiences.
The film stars BAFTA award-winner James McAvoy (Split, Glass, X-Men franchise) as Paddy, a charismatic yet deeply sinister host, whose seemingly warm hospitality hides a dark and terrifying secret. Joining him are Mackenzie Davis (Terminator: Dark Fate, Halt and Catch Fire) and SAG award-winner Scoot McNairy (Argo, A Quiet Place Part II) as Louise and Ben Dalton, the American couple at the heart of the story.
Alongside their 11-year-old daughter Agnes, played by Alix West Lefler (The Good Nurse, Riverdale), they embark on a weekend getaway that will challenge their very notions of trust and civility.
Also starring Aisling Franciosi (Game of Thrones, The Fall) as Ciara, Paddy’s wife, and introducing newcomer Dan Hough as their mute son Ant, the ensemble cast delivers a suspenseful and chilling portrayal of a gathering gone horribly wrong. Rounding out the cast are Kris Hitchen (Sorry We Missed You), Motaz Malhees (The Journey of Others), and Jakob Højlev Jørgensen (The Hunt). Watch the trailer below:
A Haunting Reinterpretation
Written and directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake, The Woman in Black), Speak No Evil is based on the screenplay of the 2022 Danish horror film Gæsterne (The Guests), written by Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup. Watkins, known for his masterful storytelling in the horror genre, brings this twisted tale to life, taking audiences on a journey from awkward social etiquette to outright terror.
The production team is led by Blumhouse’s Jason Blum (Five Nights at Freddy’s, M3GAN) and Paul Ritchie (McMafia, Slumdog Millionaire), with executive producers Beatriz Sequeira, Jacob Jarek, and Christian Tafdrup. With a creative team that includes Oscar-nominated editor Jon Harris (127 Hours, Kingsman: The Secret Service) and Academy Award-winning production designer James Price (Poor Things, The Iron Claw), the film boasts a level of craftsmanship that will elevate it beyond the typical horror fare.
A Dark and Twisted Journey
Blumhouse has long been known for pushing the boundaries of the horror genre, transforming everyday anxieties into terrifying cinematic experiences. From the racial tensions in Get Out to the dystopian social satire of The Purge, the studio has never shied away from tackling uncomfortable topics. Speak No Evil continues this tradition, offering a disturbing look at the dark side of human interactions.
REELated:
“This film got under my skin in ways I couldn’t shake,” says producer Jason Blum. “It starts innocently enough but quickly spirals into a series of unsettling revelations that leave you reeling. I knew this was a story that had to be retold for a wider audience.”
With a gripping story, an all-star cast, and a team of seasoned filmmakers at the helm, Speak No Evil promises to be one of the most talked-about horror films of the season. Get ready for a harrowing trip into the darkest corners of human nature—one that will leave you questioning just how well you know the people you call friends.
Speak No Evil is set to release on September 13, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey into fear and suspense.
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