As a seasoned actress with a rich tapestry of roles under my belt, I must admit that every project I undertake leaves an indelible mark on me, much like the vivid hues of a Monet painting etched onto the canvas of my memory. Speak No Evil, with its intricate narrative and profound exploration of the human psyche, is no exception. The role demanded a level of vulnerability and emotional depth that I had not yet plumbed in my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have done so.
About ten years ago, Mackenzie Davis made her breakthrough performance as Cameron Howe on AMC’s show Halt and Catch Fire, wrapping up during the overlooked first season. Fortunately for this series, most of AMC’s top shows like Mad Men and Breaking Bad had already ended their successful runs, allowing AMC to focus on nurturing new critical favorites. In a time when networks, studios, and streamers are often in a hurry, it was unusual for AMC to invest more in the lesser-watched drama series created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers, which ultimately proved to be Halt‘s saving grace.
In the series, Davis portrayed a talented computer programmer who was leading the personal computing and internet developments in the ’80s and ’90s. Throughout the show, her relationship with Lee Pace’s character, Joe MacMillan, a forward-thinking entrepreneur, fluctuated. Alongside their on-again, off-again business partners and friends, Gordon (Scoot McNairy) and Donna Clark (Kerry Bishé), the characters navigated complex friendships, relationships, and marriages as they faced numerous challenges in the rapidly evolving marketplace they were part of.
AMC’s confidence in the series proved beneficial, as it transformed from a critically acclaimed first season into a beloved critical darling during seasons two through four. Unlike Breaking Bad, which saw its ratings skyrocket in later seasons, the show didn’t quite match that success, but AMC was widely praised for putting quality above everything else.
This leads us to James Watkins’ new take on Christian Tafdrup’s psychological horror film titled “Speak No Evil”. In this adaptation, the actors from the series “Halt”, Davis and McNairy, reprise their roles as a married couple. They previously portrayed friends with an intimate bond reminiscent of siblings in their previous show. The initial trailer for the Blumhouse-Universal film has sparked much excitement among fans of “Halt”, whose numbers have significantly increased since the series ended in 2017, thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix.
Initially, Davis found the new partnership with McNairy slightly awkward, but this initial unease may have benefited their characters greatly as they played a married couple going through a difficult phase. In fact, Watkins was keen on having both Davis and McNairy for the roles, despite not being familiar with much of their previous work in Halt.
Davis shared with The Hollywood Reporter (laughing), ‘It felt somewhat inappropriate or unusual when I thought, “We’re going to kiss on the lips? That’s Donna’s husband.” But after that, it was alright.’
In a manner reminiscent of the 2022 Danish film, Watkins’ movie shares a comparable plotline. The story revolves around Louise (Davis) and Ben (McNairy), who are the Dalton couple, venturing to an English countryside farmhouse owned by Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi). This meeting transpired during their Italian vacation. However, things take a dark turn for the Dalton family, resulting in a drastically different conclusion compared to the original storyline.
Tafdrup’s movie features an emotionally intense ending that stands out among recent releases. Contrastingly, Watkins and their team chose a more optimistic route, but Davis expresses that she wouldn’t have been deterred if they had chosen a more similar conclusion like their Danish counterpart.
In a bold move, Davis expresses that the original ending might not have aligned with this film, as we’re not employing politeness in the same manner as Christian [Tafdrup]. We come from different cultural backgrounds, but I believe the original ending was daring, innovative, and impressive.
In our earlier chat regarding Davis’ other highly praised series, Station Eleven, she shared her enthusiasm for portraying a younger Furiosa in George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Given that she had previously taken on a younger version of a Charlize Theron character in Diablo Cody and Jason Reitman’s 2018 film, Tully, it seemed like the perfect fit. However, the role eventually went to Anya Taylor-Joy, and while Davis is an admirer of her talents, she did experience some fleeting disappointment upon hearing the casting news. Now, having seen the completed movie, including Taylor-Joy’s critically acclaimed performance, Davis has moved past that initial feeling and can fully appreciate the film.
Davis shared, “I found it truly remarkable. I couldn’t get enough of it. I’m a huge fan of George Miller, and I believe Anya delivered an exceptional performance. It seems I may have expressed my interest in that role too eagerly, but the opportunity was never presented to me. I admire the stoic warrior character Charlize Theron brought to life. I think it’s a remarkable role, and I felt Anya enriched it significantly.
In a recent chat with THR, Davis shares her doubts about one of the standout scenes from Speak No Evil that she performed.
Without beating around the bush, when I watched the trailer for Speak No Evil (2024) for the first time, the sight of Halt and Catch Fire’s Cameron and Gordon portraying a married couple left me completely surprised.
(Laughs.) It’s the fanfic everybody was asking for.
How did this reunion with Scoot unfold from your perspective?
It’s unlikely that James Watkins has fully seen “Halt and Catch Fire”, which made his recent encounter with it quite unexpected. Frankly, I’d hesitate to suggest he watch it, as it’s a series beloved by many. The viewing simply occurred on its own.
Did you inform Lee Pace and Kerry Bishé, your co-stars, that the on-screen relationship between their characters had been fictitiously made married?
Yeah, I sent them hand-drawn letters in the mail, being like, “Your worst fears have come true.”
When the trailer dropped, was there a lot of commotion? Did a bunch of Halt people reach out?
No, not a single one. (Laughs.) I haven’t heard from anyone.
Apparently, I’m the only one making a fuss about it.
I know, but I appreciate that you are.
Recently, I had a chat with Melissa Bernstein, the brains behind the hit series Halt, and she’s buzzing about the upcoming movie. However, she believes that Lee and Kerry need to balance things out by starring in their very own film together.
Yeah, I would like that.
So maybe you’ve started a very deep game here.
I’m glad. I look forward to the next pairing trying to outdo us.
How long did it take for the familiar pattern of their friendship – akin to sibling rivalry, with friendly arguments over video games and playful rubber band fights – to fade away?
It struck me right away that our relationship wasn’t what it seemed in real life. As a fan, I held him in high regard as an actor. When we began working together, he was one of my earliest mentors. So there was a sense of student-teacher dynamic between us, not that he acted inappropriately, but I felt somewhat awestruck by him. Meeting as adults was intriguing, and it felt oddly familiar, almost incestuous or unusual when I thought about our upcoming lip kiss scene. But once we got past that initial awkwardness, it was all good. (Laughs.)
It seems that a bit of tension or misunderstanding between them could be beneficial, as their current dynamics suggest they are not in agreement.
Indeed, that seems plausible. They don’t appear to be deeply in love. Instead, there seems to be discord between them. In other words, it seems they’re not getting along very well, so it might be best for them to address their issues directly.
Have you portrayed roles that involve caring for children, yet was this the initial opportunity for you to play a character as a mother?
In another movie set for release in [2024], titled “Swimming Home,” I portrayed a mother to a 16-year-old character, and at present, I am reprising this role. Let me share with you that transitioning from being unable to play a 32-year-old to becoming the mother of a 16-year-old is quite a jump!
The final scene of the original Danish movie is exceptionally dark and poignant, a powerful moment I believe should be used sparingly. I’m pleased you chose a different path. If, hypothetically, you were asked to replicate that haunting ending, would you still accept the offer? Would you have wanted to relive that experience?
Yeah!
Really!?
As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, it’s a bold move, one that catches my attention. However, I can see why it doesn’t fit our film. It stays true to the original, but the tone and cultural nuances we’re exploring in this movie are different. Christian [Tafdrup] played with politeness in a unique way, and we’re navigating different societal norms. Still, I can’t deny that the original ending was daring, edgy, and impressive.
As a person who faithfully cleans my bedsheets every Sunday, I wouldn’t have hesitated to leave the farmhouse upon seeing the state of the bedding. When do you think it would be time to call it quits?
It seems accurate to me. The idea of finding the bedsheets distressing leads me to concoct an elaborate falsehood, act it out dramatically, and depart hastily from home as if in an emergency, all while engaged on a call. Then, I’d hop into my vehicle and drive off.
One of the most unsettling moments from the initial version was the shower scene, and though it wasn’t included in the final edit, I’ve learned that you did indeed film it.
We did shoot it! I liked it. [Louise] wasn’t getting slashed, but it felt very Psycho just being in the shower while he was doing his business. I’m not sure why it didn’t make the cut.
Would that have just been too many red flags for Louise?
Sure, perhaps. The situation was reaching a critical point where it seemed necessary for you to depart. This is the distinct cultural essence that sets these two films apart. There’s an American quality to Louise, as she demonstrates a desire to move on. She isn’t trying to appease or always follow her own wishes, but rather ensures her husband’s happiness and prioritizes family care. However, I believe there’s also a pioneer spirit in her, which can be summarized as, “Let’s focus on taking care of our family.
Unlike Louise, who’s scared of cliff jumping, Ben has his own apprehensions. Was it Mackenzie Davis, however, who took the plunge that day, instead of Louise?
Mackenzie Davis seemed inclined to go cliff jumping, but she ultimately decided against it. If I had suggested, “I’ll just get wet since you all aren’t expecting it,” such spontaneity could easily disrupt the whole filming schedule for everyone involved.
Has this movie affected your desire to be a host or houseguest?
I greatly enjoy hosting events and finding satisfaction in them concluding. Preparing for an extravagant dinner party that requires several days to organize brings me joy. We gather, dine, and socialize throughout the night, and when it’s time for everyone to depart, I prefer to handle the dishes myself. I cherish that solitary hour afterwards to clean up and find tranquility in the quiet. This duality of celebration followed by solitude appeals to me greatly, and then returning to a calm environment.
As Louise grows more energetic throughout the film, there are even some action sequences. Did any traces of Grace from Terminator: Dark Fate appear in any of those moments?
Indeed, Grace seems to be quite different from me when it comes to skills, gracefulness, and athleticism. However, I did have some experience with firearms and a particular kind of running that started resurfacing. James was very keen on portraying these characters as inept. They’re not proficient at this. Everything is novel, and nothing feels familiar. Thus, it was wise to avoid any direction that might hint at a Terminator background.
After wrapping up shows like ‘Halt and Catch Fire’, ‘Black Mirror’, and ‘Station Eleven’, you’ve certainly raised the stakes in television production. Does this increased standard make you more discerning when deciding which series to invest your time into now?
Absolutely, I agree with that sentiment. Making a TV show can be a lengthy process due to the extensive filming requirements, so it’s crucial to have a deep affection for what you’re creating. Currently, I’m working on a series titled “The Undertow,” and I genuinely hope it will resonate and find its place in the broader context. I believe this project is unique and holds a special significance. If one were to invest several months or even multiple seasons into it, love for the cast, the content, and the purpose behind it becomes essential.
I recently had a chat with Diablo Cody, the writer of Tully, about your beloved character, Furiosa. Since you delivered an outstanding performance in Tully, her interest in what could have been for the role of Furiosa was piqued as well. Now, this isn’t to diminish Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance; she was fantastic in the part of Furiosa. However, given that we fans have already witnessed you portray a younger Charlize Theron with such ease, I can’t help but wonder if you’ve managed to watch the movie or if it’s still too fresh?
No, I saw it in theaters. I thought it was amazing. I loved it. I love George Miller, and I think Anya was incredible. I was maybe too open about wanting that part that it’s now coming up again, but it was never an option. I just like that stoic warrior that Charlize created. I think it’s an incredible character, and I thought Anya added a lot to her.
It was partially my fault that you were too open about wanting the role of Furiosa.
I know! I knew it was you! I was like, “That Hollywood Reporter.” (Laughs.)
“I’m going to Variety next time.”
(Laughs.)
Every job informs the next job, so what have you carried with you from Speak No Evil?
The role of Speak No Evil allowed me the opportunity to portray a character wielding a unique form of power, one that wasn’t immediately apparent or easily expressed. I found this intriguing. Rather than focusing on what I’ve gained from this experience, I’m more curious about my next role – one that isn’t simply a response to this one. What has this role fulfilled for me such that I now seek something contrasting or distinctly different to fulfill?
In my perspective, the movie seems to be a celebration of therapy’s value, with elements like the teddy bear, the primal scream sequence, and Louise’s confession being key highlights. I found the latter particularly impactful and believe it showcases your exceptional storytelling skills in this film.
I found that particular scene incredibly challenging, as I kept trying to refine it. I was fixated on getting it right, and I just couldn’t crack the code. It didn’t resonate with me, and I couldn’t fathom its logic or her motivation. Regardless of my best efforts, it remained elusive. All this anxiety and self-doubt must have seeped into the scene, adding to the frustration you might notice. Eventually, we had to film it, and I had to find a way to make it coherent in my mind, which I managed to some extent. However, on that day, I couldn’t help but worry about how terrible it would look in the final cut of the movie. So, thanks for understanding, and you have my apologies for any issues with the Furiosa character. (Laughs).
Lastly, what single day on Speak No Evil will you likely recall many decades from now?
One time, they hired someone to manage the chickens on set, and this role was clearly indicated on her work attire. This person was holding two chickens, one on each arm, and their tails were sticking out from behind. This scene made me chuckle, and I often find myself reminiscing about it.
***
Speak No Evil opens in movie theaters on Sept. 13.
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2024-09-11 23:55