James McAvoy is ready to shake things up as he steps into the unsettling world of Speak No Evil, a gripping psychological thriller set to send shivers down your spine. Known for his intense roles, the Scottish actor isn’t holding back in his latest interviews, sharing candid thoughts on what drew him to the film and how its dark themes mirror the changing tides of society.
McAvoy openly tackles toxic masculinity and manipulation, hot-button topics the film explores in depth. “It feels like it’s becoming acceptable to be more extreme and less compromising,” he tells BBC News. In a world where influencers like Andrew Tate fuel what many describe as “terrifying” misogynistic views, McAvoy says it’s no surprise that people are drawn to such figures. “When people are lost, they gravitate towards those who seem to have all the answers,” he explains.
That’s exactly what makes McAvoy’s character, Paddy, so compelling—and chilling. Paddy is a charming, confident man whose manipulative nature hides beneath a facade of politeness. The film, a Hollywood remake of the 2022 Danish horror, Speak No Evil, takes a terrifying turn as two families come together for a seemingly innocent reunion that spirals into a nightmare.
Critics hailed the original film for its relentless tension and shocking final act, and McAvoy is excited to bring his own twist to the new version. He credits figures like Tate as an influence on his performance, portraying Paddy as a figure who, like many influencers, sells a seductive but dangerous vision of success. “They seem to have happiness and control,” says McAvoy. “When you’re lost, you’ll latch on to that.”
In Speak No Evil, Paddy’s rugged confidence captivates Ben (Scoot McNairy), a man struggling with traditional masculine ideals and the pressures of family life. McAvoy taps into the allure of toxic influencers, but he’s quick to note that this selfish, simplistic worldview is ultimately “unrealistic and barbaric.”
The film’s exploration of toxic masculinity, abuse, and the tension between societal expectations and human instincts is what made McAvoy sign on. “Walking the tightrope between public acceptability and our darker selves was fascinating,” he says. Critics are already buzzing, with The Independent calling McAvoy’s portrayal “one of the most impressively repugnant performances of the year” and NME praising his “gloriously unhinged” take on the character.
With a career full of complex roles—from multiple personalities in Split to Shakespeare’s Macbeth—McAvoy is no stranger to psychological deep dives. But Speak No Evil marks his first venture into a family-centered horror, where cycles of trauma and abuse take center stage. Paddy’s violent behavior towards his mute son is a key part of the story, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of toxic masculinity.
Children play a larger role in this remake, embodying raw honesty and instinct as they navigate the dangerous dynamics between the adults. Mackenzie Davis, who plays Louise, notes that the kids’ ability to express their fears openly contrasts sharply with the adults’ inability to communicate effectively.
The film also touches on issues of disability, as McAvoy’s character manipulates his son’s condition to his advantage, highlighting society’s superficial attitudes towards disability. McAvoy’s past roles, including playing wheelchair-bound characters like Professor X in X-Men, gave him insight into these themes. He recalls how people’s disingenuous reactions to his character’s condition created a frustrating barrier to genuine connection.
In Speak No Evil, McAvoy is once again taking audiences on a chilling journey through the dark corners of the human psyche, this time through the lens of toxic masculinity and family dynamics. With its unsettling themes and McAvoy’s captivating performance, the film promises to leave audiences deeply rattled—and thinking long after the credits roll.
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