SPEAK NO EVIL (2024)

“Always be polite” we were told, “civility is the glue that holds society together.” Too true, but is there a limit? Manners are on the table for a table of six; two families with varying attitudes, temperaments and approach to parenting meet on vacation and decide to take their newfound friendship to the next level, byway of a weekend gettogether in remote southwest England. 

We’re treated to a deliciously slow burn of tension-riddled conversations, affronts and aggressions that eventually reveal everyone’s reason for saying (and not saying) the things they do.

WATCH OR NOT: WATCH

Additional musings:

When I caught wind of the news that James Watkins was remaking the Danish film Speak No Evil (2022) for North American audiences, my first thought was it would be too bleak to be appreciated en masse. Well, if you’ve seen the original, fear not, as this goes down a milder, yet still very horrifying route, numbing some of the bite, yet making for a new and testing experience. 

Note to the Academy: I hear Best Casting will be added to the list of awards in 2025, I suggest short listing this film for its ensemble; nary a slight nor suppression is missed in this character driven ride.