“It Leaves an Ick”: Speak No Evil’s Scoot McNairy Says Film Will Scare One Group in Particular

"It Leaves an Ick": Speak No Evil's Scoot McNairy Says Film Will Scare One Group in Particular

As a parent who has watched their fair share of horror movies, I must say that “Speak No Evil” is a chilling masterpiece that will leave you questioning your own parenting skills and social interactions. The tension built by James McAvoy’s character, Paddy, is palpable and terrifyingly relatable – who hasn’t felt the discomfort of not knowing how to react when someone else is parenting?


Actor Scoot McNairy, featured in the latest horror film “Speak No Evil,“, offers a word of caution to prospective viewers.

In a conversation with SYFY WIRE before the September 13 premiere of Speak No Evil, McNairy shares that if you’re a parent, this movie could give you a real fright.

The warning is quite comprehensible. The movie, a reimagining of a Danish film from two years back sharing the same title, features McNairy and Mackenzie Davis as a pair with a young daughter. While on vacation, they encounter another couple and their son. They eventually accept an invitation to visit this new acquaintance’s countryside home, unaware that the seemingly ordinary couple (played by James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi) harbor much darker intentions.

Before the suspenseful film “Speak No Evil” openly shifts to sheer terror, it’s already incredibly tense due to the way the enigmatic and unpredictable character of Paddy, played by McAvoy, manipulates societal expectations as his weapons.

For More on Speak No Evil

Exploring All Aspects of the Horror Film “Speak No Evil”

How Speak No Evil Plays on Real-Life Anxieties 

"It Leaves an Ick": Speak No Evil's Scoot McNairy Says Film Will Scare One Group in Particular

As a devoted admirer, I’m excited to share that James Watkins, the brilliant mind behind the latest film, revealed to SYFY WIRE that “Speak No Evil” delves into “the apprehensions and concerns we encounter in our daily existence.

Instead of asking “How do we interact with other people?”, Watkins ponders about the nature of human interaction, discusses parenting styles, queries on how to handle misbehavior, and wonders if we tolerate it or if our politeness restrains us.

In some instances within “Speak No Evil,” Paddy and his wife Ciara manage their son Ant (Dan Hough) differently than Ben (McNairy) and Louise (Davis) raise their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler). At other times, Paddy and Ciara seem to cross the line and try to guide Agnes. This confuses Ben and Louise, a sensation that many parents in the audience will recognize as deeply uncomfortable.

McNairy remarks, “One aspect I enjoyed was the subtle conflict between the two parents.” He adds, “You can’t truly parent someone who is already a parent, leading to an uneasy atmosphere.

"It Leaves an Ick": Speak No Evil's Scoot McNairy Says Film Will Scare One Group in Particular

The film “Speak No Evil” is an unsettling watch, as it taps into common, everyday anxieties (such as the struggle with your relationship) and fundamental, instinctive fears (like the fear for your child’s safety). However, despite its discomforting nature, it manages to be quite amusing, offering numerous moments of comedic relief, and providing numerous instances where you’ll find yourself laughing, wincing, and shouting at the screen in typical horror movie fashion, “Don’t do that!” as a character on screen takes an action.

Watkins expresses that he aimed to create a film filled with tense amusement. He believes humor is effective not only for its comedic value, but also as a means to alleviate the discomfort caused by stressors. It’s entertaining to watch people in difficult situations. You might recognize this style from Ricky Gervais’ successful career, where he masterfully explores social awkwardness.

Despite the laughter and thrilling, heart-pounding finale, the film “Speak No Evil” is remarkably chilling in its impact.

Regarding that movie, McNairy advises caution. “It might give you a strange sensation once you’ve left the theater,” he explains, “and you may find yourself yearning for a good shower afterwards.

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2024-09-11 23:16