Speak No Evil Starring James McAvoy Premieres on Peacock

The chilling psychological horror movie Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy, is set to make its streaming debut on Peacock this December. Directed and written by James Watkins, the film is a remake of the 2022 Danish horror-thriller Speak No Evil, originally directed by Christian Tafdrup and written by Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup. The film, which opened in theaters on September 13, brings an unsettling story of a seemingly innocent invitation that turns into a terrifying ordeal for a family.

The plot centers on a family that is invited to spend a weekend at a remote countryside home, only to discover that the people who invited them are hiding dark secrets. The movie stars James McAvoy as Paddy, a man whose seemingly warm invitation to his new friends turns into a nightmare. He is joined by his wife, Ciara, played by Aisling Franciosi, and their young son, Ant, portrayed by Dan Hough. They invite the Daltons—Louise, Ben, and their daughter Agnes, played by Mackenzie Davis, Scott McNairy, and Alix West Lefler, respectively—to their home in the picturesque English countryside.

The film’s suspense and tension escalate as the weekend unfolds, revealing the sinister nature of the hosts and the chilling dynamics at play. It’s a study in discomfort and distrust, leading to a shocking climax that leaves audiences questioning the boundaries of social niceties and human nature itself.

Speak No Evil will be available for streaming on Peacock starting Friday, December 6. To watch the film, viewers must be subscribed to NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service. Peacock offers two subscription options: an ad-supported tier priced at $7.99 per month or $79.00 per year, and an ad-free version for $13.99 per month or $139.99 annually. For those without a subscription to Peacock, the film will also be available on digital streaming platforms, such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and VUDU, through premium video-on-demand (PVOD). This release format provides more flexibility for viewers to watch the film on their preferred streaming platforms.

In theaters, Speak No Evil earned considerable box office success, grossing $36.9 million domestically and $38.8 million internationally. With a total worldwide box office gross of $75.7 million against a production budget of $15 million, the film proved to be a financial success for its producers. These earnings reflect the film’s broad appeal, which is aided by its strong psychological horror elements and the star power of McAvoy, known for his acclaimed performances in films such as Atonement and the X-Men series.

Critics have been largely positive about Speak No Evil, with the film earning an impressive 84% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 200 reviews. The consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads, “Harnessing sick suspense from the glimmer in James McAvoy’s eye, Speak No Evil is the rare remake that hushes up concerns of ‘been there, done that.’” This praise highlights McAvoy’s magnetic performance, which adds an extra layer of depth to the film’s terrifying premise. His portrayal of Paddy is compelling, with subtle shifts in his character that gradually reveal the darker side of his personality.

The film also earned an 84% “fresh” Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on more than 2,500 verified user ratings, indicating that viewers were equally captivated by the film. Some critics have singled out the slow-burn tension of the film as one of its greatest strengths, noting that the creeping sense of unease makes the eventual horror even more impactful.

Among the critics who offered glowing reviews was Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times, who commended the film for its blend of horror and social commentary. In his review, Roeper wrote, “Speak No Evil eventually goes full-on with the familiar horror movie blood-spattering, but the social satire in that well-executed build-up is the real strength of the film.” This balance of tension, social critique, and horror sets Speak No Evil apart from other films in the genre.

However, not all critics were as enthusiastic about the film. Allison Willmore of New York Magazine/Vulture gave the film a “rotten” rating, describing it as a “teased-out joke” due to the ineffectiveness of the characters. Willmore criticized the portrayal of the protagonists, claiming their failure to act appropriately in dangerous situations made them appear more foolish than frightening. While this assessment is in contrast to the praise for McAvoy’s performance, it highlights the divisive nature of the film, which may not resonate with all audiences.

Despite mixed opinions from critics, Speak No Evil has garnered a reputation for its disturbing atmosphere and unsettling portrayal of human behavior. Its exploration of the sinister undercurrents in everyday interactions—where manners and social conventions mask deeper, more horrifying realities—resonates with viewers and makes the film a standout in the horror genre. For fans of psychological thrillers and horror films with social commentary, Speak No Evil is a must-see.

The film is rated R for its intense content, which includes disturbing violence and psychological horror. As the film arrives on Peacock in December, it offers a new way for audiences to experience the terror of Speak No Evil from the comfort of their homes. Whether viewers are fans of James McAvoy’s performances or lovers of psychological horror, Speak No Evil promises to be a haunting experience that stays with audiences long after the credits roll.