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Where You've Seen the Speak No Evil Cast Before
Let's take a closer look at the key figures in Speak No Evil, and the actors who embody them.
This weekend's new Blumhouse release, Speak No Evil, is a horror film built on characters. Adapted from Christian Tafdrup's 2022 film of the same name, it's all about a clash of personalities, of points of view, and how that clash eventually spirals into something much darker.
That means writer/director James Watkins had to handle casting for his film very carefully, bringing together an ensemble of actors who could pull of the film's many nuances while also delivering on the often violent explosions of terror unfolding along the way. In the end, Watkins' film emerged with six stars perfect for their roles, many of whom you'll know from other major genre projects.
So, as Speak No Evil hits theaters this weekend, let's take a closer look at the cast.
Who's who in the Speak No Evil cast?
Scott McNairy as Ben
An American father who's vacationing in Italy with his family when he meets a charming British couple who invite him back to their farm, Ben believes that new experiences and encounters might revitalize his family, and help a tense relationship with his wife as they try to adjust to life as expats in England. He's cautious, but he's also trying to grow, and that makes him a perfect target for what's to come.
Scoot McNairy first rose to prominence for his roles in indie films like Monsters, before appearing in the tech historical drama Halt and Catch Fire and the Best Picture-winning Argo. His other major roles have included parts in True Detective, Narcos: Mexico, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, to name just a few.
Mackenzie Davis as Louise
Ben's wife Louise is well aware of the tension with her husband, and her role in that tension, but at the moment she's much more concerned with parenting their daughter Agnes, who suffers from anxiety and has trouble getting out of her comfort zone. When Ben suggests they take their new friends up on their offer of a weekend getaway, she's a bit more hesitant than he is, but sees a chance to reinvigorate the family. She might seem a bit reserved, but she's also a fierce protector, especially when it comes to Agnes.
Like McNairy, Mackenzie Davis gained a lot of prominence through Halt and Catch Fire, and went on to many other key genre roles over the years. Her previous credits include films like Blade Runner 2049, Terminator: Dark Fate, The Turning, and Station Eleven.
James McAvoy as Paddy
An outgoing, often brash man from the United Kingdom, Paddy encounters Ben and Louise in Italy, forges a friendship, and eventually invites the family back to his farm in England for a weekend. Once the Americans arrive, Paddy retains his over-the-top charm, but starts to mix in dark emotional games, sometimes masquerading as jokes, sometimes becoming something much more sinister. We can't tell you exactly what his plans are, but if you've seen the trailers for the film, you know they're not very nice.
A film and TV veteran with a long history of genre roles, fans will recognize James McAvoy from a wide variety of films like X-Men: First Class, Split, Atomic Blonde, It Chapter Two, Glass, and more.
Aisling Franciosi as Ciara
Paddy's wife Ciara is the quieter member of the couple, but that doesn't make her any less interesting. While Paddy's the more outgoing of the two, Ciara has a more sensitive touch that means she's able to connect with Louise and Agnes in ways her husband cannot. That makes her compelling in her own quiet way, and when things get tense, arguably more dangerous.
Aisling Franciosi first rose to international prominence with a role in the hit crime drama The Fall, and went on to acclaim in films like The Nightingale and Stopmotion and series like Black Narcissus and I Know This Much Is True. She was also recently one of the stars of Universal's Dracula horror film The Last Voyage of the Demeter.
Alix West Lefler as Agnes
Ben and Louise's 11-year-old daughter Agnes is a young girl plagued by anxieties about the world, something her parents often take opposing stances in addressing. Despite her emotional struggles, Agnes does do her best to enjoy her family's weekend away, and even forms a connection with Paddy and Ciara's son, Ant. Because she's willing to try and get close, she's also one of the first to notice that something isn't right in this strange picture.
A relative newcomer to acting, Alix West Lefler is best known for her work in television, including roles on Riverdale, Fire Country, and Resident Alien.
Dan Hough as Ant
Paddy and Ciara's son Ant is unable to speak due to a condition that's rendered him with only a partial tongue, but that doesn't stop him from trying to connect to his parents' houseguests, particularly young Agnes. Over the course of the weekend, Ant will do his best to let Agnes know what's really going on in the house, and his actions might have devastating consequences.
Dan Hough makes his film debut with Speak No Evil, part of a 2024 that also included an appearance in the TV series Hollyoaks. We can't wait to see what he does next.
Speak No Evil is in theaters Friday, September 13. Get tickets at Fandango.
