How Speak No Evil Channels James McAvoy’s Performance from This 2013 Cult Hit

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As a long-time fan of thrilling, suspenseful films, I must say that “Speak No Evil” has certainly piqued my interest. James McAvoy is a chameleon on screen, and his ability to transform into such complex characters never fails to impress me.

In the chilling new horror production, “Speak No Evil,” produced by Blumhouse and Universal Pictures, James McAvoy stars as Paddy, a man who extends an invitation to a couple they met on vacation to stay at their rural home. However, beneath his warm hospitality, there may lurk an unstable, potentially malicious side. It’s worth mentioning that McAvoy has previously demonstrated the ability to convincingly portray characters whose personalities can swiftly shift, as he played all 24 personas of Kevin Wendell Crumb in the M. Night Shyamalan films “Split” and “Glass.

Contrarily, James Watkins, the director of Speak No Evil, reveals that’s not the character McAvoy portrayed that he initially had in mind for him.

For More on Speak No Evil

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Speak No Evil director James Watkins on James McAvoy’s Filth

In the interview for SYFY WIRE prior to the September 13 premiere of Speak No Evil, Watkins clarified that it wasn’t Split but rather a 2013 black comedy titled Filth (now available on Peacock). In this film, McAvoy portrays an unscrupulous Scottish police officer who gradually loses his sanity while investigating a murder. His primary motivation for solving the case is not justice but the desire for a promotion.

As a gamer, I’d say this game is more down-to-earth compared to Split and Glass, but the protagonist’s really grating. However, there’s a certain point where you empathize with his humanity, feel his pain, and perhaps even grasp what led him to his current state.

Scoot McNairy says James McAvoy is a “beast” in Speak No Evil

Regardless of whether ‘Split’ was the role Watkins had in mind when McAvoy landed it, there are noticeable parallels between the characters they portrayed.

Scoot McNairy praises his co-star in “Speak No Evil” to SYFY WIRE, inadvertently revealing the sinister, murderous persona that McAvoy’s character assumes in “Split.” He expresses that McAvoy’s acting was so exceptional, it added an array of colors to the performance.

Still, McNairy is quick to assure that, even though McAvoy is really good at playing a dangerous, unhinged psycho, he’s not at all like that when the cameras aren’t rolling. 

In essence, McNairy notes that while James shared some comedic and charismatic traits with the character he portrayed (Patty), they are quite different in terms of personality. Specifically, James is not toxic or masculine in nature, yet he skillfully took on those aspects when playing Patty.

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2024-09-12 00:01