Back to news
This intense psychological thriller just landed in Prime Video’s top 10 — and it’s one of James McAvoy’s best movies
@Source: tomsguide.com
Skip to main content
Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide
Search Tom's Guide
View Profile
Newsletters
Best Picks
Entertainment
Nintendo Switch 2
Tariff tracker
Best Mattress
Wordle Today
Entertainment
Prime Video
This intense psychological thriller just landed in Prime Video’s top 10 — and it’s one of James McAvoy’s best movies
Alix Blackburn
14 April 2025
‘Speak No Evil’ wrecked my nerves (in the best way)
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
While movies like “G20” and “The Accountant” are dominating the Prime Video spotlight right now, a chilling psychological thriller has been quietly climbing the ranks.
“Speak No Evil,” the 2024 remake of the Danish horror-thriller, landed on Prime Video U.S. at the start of the month, but it wasn’t until recently that it really took off. At the time of writing, it’s sitting at No. 4 on the platform’s top 10 movies list.
I watched “Speak No Evil” when it was released in theaters in September 2024, expecting something mildly unsettling. What I got instead was one of the most nerve-wracking movie experiences I’ve had in a long time (and I mean that in the best way).
You may like
This dark thriller is streaming for free on Prime Video — and it's 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
Netflix just got one of the darkest psychological thriller movies I’ve ever seen — and it’ll stay with you for weeks
James McAvoy is absolutely unhinged in the role, walking the tightrope between charming and terrifying, and that’s exactly why I think it ranks among his best movies. The movie does start off slow and deceptively polite, but it doesn’t stay that way for long.
If you’re a fan of slow-burn psychological madness or just love watching McAvoy completely lose it (in character), this is one you shouldn't miss. Here’s why you need to stream “Speak No Evil” now that it’s on Prime Video.
What is ‘Speak No Evil’ about?
Speak No Evil | Official Trailer - YouTube
“Speak No Evil” follows Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben Dalton (Scoot McNairy), an American couple who, along with their young daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), accept an invitation to spend a quiet weekend at the remote English countryside.
The estate belongs to Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) — a seemingly charming British couple they met on a family vacation.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
But what begins as an idyllic getaway quickly unravels into something far more sinister. As the Daltons settle in, they begin to notice disturbing behavior from their hosts, especially toward their mute son, Ant (Dan Hough).
Tension grows with each passing hour, and the once-friendly atmosphere gives way to an air of manipulation and mounting dread. It becomes clear that Paddy and Ciara have lured the Daltons there with deadly intentions.
Why you should stream ‘Speak No Evil’ on Prime Video
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
If I had to give just one reason why “Speak No Evil” is worth watching, it’s James McAvoy. He gives one of his best performances to date, and honestly, it’s enough to smooth over any minor flaws (especially if you’ve seen the original and can’t help but compare).
McAvoy knew exactly what to do with this material: be completely unhinged and somehow charming at the same time. It puts the viewer in a really uncomfortable spot, much like the American couple who fall for his pleasant facade only to realize too late that something is very, very wrong.
But what really makes his performance hit is how he builds tension as Paddy. Every smile and lingering stare is enough to make you sweat.
(Image credit: Lifestyle / Alamy Stock Photo / Universal Pictures)
Aisling Franciosi also gives a really strong performance as Paddy’s partner, Ciara. One minute she’s a friendly woman who wants to make a good impression and the next she’s putting on an obvious fake smile, one that gets under your skin. Both her and McAvoy work well together on screen and make for a very unsettling pair.
The rest of the cast are solid, but McAvoy owns this movie. “Speak No Evil” wouldn’t be nearly as effective without him.
Credit to director James Watkins for delivering a remake that actually works. I’m usually skeptical of American remakes, but this one holds onto what made the original memorable while giving it a darker, more polished spin. It’s not better — but it’s still absolutely worth a watch.
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
This psychological thriller also dives into some deeply uncomfortable territory, especially when it comes to people-pleasing and social anxiety. Louise and Ben sense something’s off early on but hesitate to act, and you’ll probably find yourself yelling at the screen for them to just leave.
“Speak No Evil” deserves to be on your Prime Video watchlist if you (somehow) haven’t seen it already. It’s incredibly tense and unsettling, holding some strong performances and a plot that’s well-paced.
However, if you’re not convinced, see what else is new on Prime Video in April 2025 or check out our guide on the best movies to watch on Prime Video.
Stream “Speak No Evil” on Prime Video now.
More from Tom's Guide
5 new to Prime Video movies with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes
How to get Prime Video for free
5 Prime Video movies and shows I’m watching in spring 2025
Streaming device deals not to miss
Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)
See all prices
Google Chromecast with Google TV
$24.99View
See all prices
Apple TV 4K (2022)
See all prices
Roku Express 4K+ (2021)
$23.99View
See all prices
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2023
$39.99View
See all prices
Deal ends Mon, Apr 21, 2025
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
See more Entertainment News
Alix Blackburn
Social Links Navigation
Staff Writer, Streaming
Alix is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer for Screen Rant and Bough Digital, both of which sparked her interest in the entertainment industry. When she’s not writing about the latest movies and TV shows, she’s either playing horror video games on her PC or working on her first novel.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
This dark thriller is streaming for free on Prime Video — and it's 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
Netflix just got one of the darkest psychological thriller movies I’ve ever seen — and it’ll stay with you for weeks
One of my favorite horror movies ever is now streaming on Netflix — and it’s a reminder of everything I love about the genre
Hugh Grant’s terrifying villain turn just landed on Max — and it’s got 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
One of the most mind-twisting psychological thrillers is streaming free right now — and it’s full of surprises
This seriously intense dark thriller is streaming for free on Prime Video — and it’s 95% on Rotten Tomatoes
Latest in Prime Video
This intense psychological thriller just landed in Prime Video’s top 10 — and it’s one of James McAvoy’s best movies
Prime Video top 10 movies — here's the 3 worth watching now
I just watched Prime Video’s ‘G20’ with Viola Davis — should you stream it or skip it?
5 new to Prime Video movies with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes
Prime Video top 10 shows — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
Prime Video’s latest No. 1 show is supernatural, unhinged, and stars Kevin Bacon — you need to binge-watch it now
Latest in News
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra owners reporting mysterious camera shaking issue — what you need to know
IKEA just dropped its latest spring collection — here’s what I’ll be buying
Banish wasps from your home using this one non-toxic household item that pests hate
This intense psychological thriller just landed in Prime Video’s top 10 — and it’s one of James McAvoy’s best movies
Sony confirms PS5 price hike in several regions — here’s what you’ll pay now
Samsung reportedly pauses global rollout of One UI 7 — what you need to know
LATEST ARTICLES
I just tried the viral ChatGPT trend that turns you into a plushy — here's how to do it
Samsung reportedly pauses global rollout of One UI 7 — what you need to know
Sony confirms PS5 price hike in several regions — here’s what you’ll pay now
Massive Lego sale from $5 at Amazon — 15 deals I’d add to my cart
I regret spending money on most AI subscriptions — except this one
Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
Terms and conditions
Contact Future's experts
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Advertise with us
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait...
Related News
17 Feb, 2025
Pep Guardiola warns Man City stars they . . .
11 Mar, 2025
Renee Zellweger's boyfriend Ant Anstead . . .
31 Mar, 2025
Omar Marmoush Fires Manchester City Into . . .
18 Mar, 2025
Valspar Championship 2025 : Odds, Predic . . .
15 Apr, 2025
How to watch the Red Wings home finale t . . .
20 Mar, 2025
Tinder fraudster, 35, who was jailed aft . . .
16 Mar, 2025
Raúl Jiménez: Back from the (almost) dea . . .
24 Mar, 2025
Even Robert Downey Jr. couldn't get the . . .