Review of Speak No Evil (2022) by Brickwall_ — 01 May 2023

Well made and acted, but the story lacks any sense of purpose. It seems to be trying to say something about dominant vs. submissive personality types but offers no commentary or cogent point beyond simply acknowledging that they exist.

The film is a slow burn that only shifts into horror in the last 20ish minutes, but when it makes that shift, there is no surprise, satisfaction, scares, or catharsis. The plot unfolds exactly how you expect it to from the outset without any subversion or even anything clever to mix things up. The actions of the main characters become less and less believable as the film moves along and what starts out feeling realistic ends up requiring through-the-roof suspension of disbelief to not see the gaping plot holes. The first 2/3 function as an effective uncomfortable social drama, but the third act squanders any potential that was built up.