Speak No Evil

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)

In this modern era, there is such a fear of offending others that wisdom is often undermined when we make life’s decisions. Director Jeames Watkins unmasks this human flaw with his remake of this Danish psychological horror-thriller, which exposes how common sense eludes societal norms.

As Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben (Scoot McNairy) Dalton try to get away from life's woes in London, the couple decide to holiday with their daughter, Agnes (Alix West Lefler), in Tuscany. Their picturesque and tranquil holiday is eventually interrupted by an English couple who seem to have a passion for life that the Daltons yearn to have once more. Paddy (James McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and their preteen son, Ant (Dan Hough) befriend the forlorn Americans and invite them to their home in the English countryside. Even though Louise has reservations about the couple, the family decides to take up their new friend's offer. Yet, within moments of their arrival, things may not have been as idyllic as was presented by the eccentric family, and the Daltons must determine if they can endure or even survive the weekend.

The underlying brilliance of the original story is how contemporary sensibilities make obvious dangers excusable in relationships. Mads and Christian Tafdrup’s initial screenplay uses subtle manipulation to show how easy it is to fool those on screen and the audience along the way. As they weave in each family's relational tensions and yearnings, this film creeps upon you with a vengeance that will unnerve the most stable of souls. As the audience screams at the screen for the Daltons to run within minutes of their arrival at the country estate, everyone involved in this film can only wait for the violent conclusion hinged on the love of a stuffed bunny rabbit.

Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy embody the prevailing sensibilities of couples who turn off their brains to avoid offending their hosts. They are so convincing that you will hope they survive, but they make the viewer despise their existence. As they cannot care for themselves or their family promptly, they are to blame for many of the horrors that happen. Yet, the whole film relies on James McAvoy tapping into his visceral and insane side of this horrific alter ego. Reminiscent of his role in Split and Glass, he embodies the very definition of evil needed to make this story work.

Speak No Evil will get under your skin and hold onto your soul for days as it rips open the realities of modern life. Like most films of this genre, this tale should slap awake those who are more concerned with offending others than with choosing to live a safe and wise existence.

REEL DIALOGUE: How do you make wise choices in life?

The issue of gaining wisdom can be sought out through the latest motivational speaker, great philosophers of the past or someone who personifies good personal judgement. The only problem with all of these sources is that even though they may be smart in one area, they may still need to make the best choices. That brings us back to the niggling issue of seeking wisdom. Can it be found in this life?

The first step is finding the source of all wisdom and who holds these insights. The Bible says that the beginning of knowledge begins in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), which means the first place to go for insights is to God, who gives out his wisdom freely to all who seek after him and listen.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

This revelation is a groundbreaking concept; all knowledge and wisdom can be found in God in the Bible. It is there for the taking, but there is a catch. Belief.

To access this infinite pool of enlightenment and salvation, a person has to believe in the source. To gain the universe's wisdom, you must make your first 'good choice.' Believe in the God of the Bible.