Yet, the red flags are what makesSpeak No Evilso enjoyable.
Usually, it is pure politeness that convinces the Americans to remain in harm’s way.
Once Louise starts listening to her gut, that is when the movie truly gets under way.
However, there are a number of warnings that Ben and Louise miss before coming to their senses.
Paddy and Ciara actually get their money from killing well-off families they meet on vacation.
If there was an emergency, it would take him quite a while to get to the hospital.
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Furthermore,Paddy never discusses his “profession.
“He claims to be a doctor, but doesn’t seem preoccupied with his work at all.
If he was truly making so much money, he would likely be more invested in it.
Speak No Evil is a 2024 horror-thriller film by writer-director James Watkins. A remake of the 2022 movie Speak No Evil follows a family who head to the country for a much-needed vacation - but the situation quickly deteriorates, thrusting them into a horrific nightmare.
He might even be on call, depending on his field.
Thus, his incredible home and his so-called job don’t exactly line up.
If anything, she probably labels it as her daughter’s anxiety.
In reality, she should have looked closer.
Right off the bat, this shows how much Paddy and Ciara don’t cherish their “son.”
If Louise had clocked this detail, she may have caught onto their schemes more quickly.
From the beginning, it is fairly clear thatBen and Louise are loving and perhaps slightly overprotective parents.
They are defensive of their anxious daughter.
What is really troubling, though, is how Paddy persuades them.
Though the Vespa ride is pretty uneventful, the part of this situation that is most worrisome is Paddy.
The Danish couple are clearly uncomfortable and stay away for the rest of the vacation.
Though this is framed to be funny, it is actually sort of volatile.
Paddy’s inappropriate jokes show that he isn’t afraid to embarrass or harass others.
Because Ben and Louise dislike the Danes, they aren’t too concerned about their feelings.
This gives an early glimpse at his true nature.
It is a moment that is wildly uncomfortable for both Ben and Louise, and for the audience.
Yet, this moment is telling.
One red flag moment between Ciara and Agnes is when Ciara scolds Agnes for chewing with her mouth open.
Surprisingly, Louise does not let this slide, and in fact, challenges Ciara.
Her controlling nature is much more sinister than it seems.
What makes this moment so chilling is the fact thatPaddy doesn’t even act especially aggressive about it.
Arguably, Louise could have said no or spoken up about her food preferences.
However, Paddy makes sure to mention how much trouble he went through to roast this goose for Louise.
Thus, she feels like she has to eat it rather than speak up for herself.
Once again, this scene shows just how subtly Paddy manipulates his victims.
During both vacations,Ant seems to be forlorn and unhappy.
However, in hindsight, audiences realize it is because Ant is Paddy and Ciara’s victim.
In the 2022Speak No Evil,Ant’s character is named Abel.
Furthermore, he suffers a more tragic fate than Ant does.
There are countless signs that Ant is being neglected by Paddy and Ciara.
Aside from his awful bedroom and his sour demeanor, Ant is always wearing the same clothes.
While everyone else changes outfits consistently, Ant remains in the same football sweatshirt for the entire film.
This is just another small sign that Paddy and Ciara don’t truly take care of Ant.
Ultimately,Ben and Louise dislike how Ant is treated, but never step forwardout of sheer politeness.
In this way, Louise correctly clocked this as a red flag.
Louise should not have let politeness or emotion get in the way of her daughter’s safety.
From the very start,Paddy’s “love” for Ant is shown through aggression.
He never just hugs him, but squeezes him.
He doesn’t just ruffle his hair, he pushes his fist into him.
Ultimately, this leads to the intense and terrifying final act ofSpeak No Evil.
