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James McAvoy is no stranger to intense, psychological thrillers, having captivated audiences in films likeSplitandGlass, both of which were directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Now, McAvoy steps back into the world of dark and twisted stories withSpeak No Evil, his latest film, helmed byEden Lakedirector James Watkins.
This new psychological horror, while not breaking records, has reached a noteworthy milestone during its debut weekend at the worldwide box office.
With a mix of decent domestic earnings and international contributions,Speak No Evilhas earned $20.81 million globally, and while it may not have sparked a frenzy at the box office, its milestone is still something to talk about.
Let’s dive into howSpeak No Evilperformed during its debut weekend, the reaction it has garnered, and what might lie ahead for McAvoy’s latest thriller.
Despite being a psychological horror starring one of the most notable actors in the genre,Speak No Evildidn’t exactly set the box office on fire.
Unlike previous horror films that have packed theaters and raked in massive sums, this film has had a lukewarm reception, indicating that perhaps the audience is becoming weary of the genre’s offerings.
After James McAvoy’s previous psychological thrillersSplitandGlassbrought him widespread acclaim, expectations forSpeak No Evilwere high.
The film was made on an estimated production budget of $15 million. According to BoxOfficeReport.com, the movie grossed a modest $9.3 million internationally in its opening weekend.
While those numbers are far from a box office sensation, it’s worth noting that this film has still achieved a significant milestone by earning 34.53% more than its production budget.
That’s a silver lining for the makers, showing that the film hasn’t completely faltered.
The international markets contributed significantly to the earnings ofSpeak No Evil.Here’s a breakdown of the major contributors:
United Kingdom: $1.8 million
Mexico: $0.8 million
Spain: $0.8 million
These numbers, while not overwhelming, indicate that international audiences are still showing up for McAvoy’s chilling performances.
The film’s global earnings of $9.3 million from overseas territories demonstrate a modest but steady reception.
Meanwhile, Speak No Evil fared slightly better at the domestic box office, pulling in $11.5 million during its opening weekend, securing the #2 spot.
This includes a respectable $1.3 million from Thursday previews. Combining the domestic and international figures, Speak No Evil has grossed $20.81 million worldwide.
Positive Reception From Critics
Though the box office numbers forSpeak No Evilmay not be awe-inspiring, the film has been positively received by critics, earning praise for its atmosphere, performances, and unsettling narrative.
McAvoy, in particular, has been commended for his ability to seamlessly slip into complex, fractured characters.
His portrayal inSpeak No Evilis no exception, as he brings intensity and depth to the role of a man caught in an increasingly terrifying situation.
DirectorJames Watkins, known for his work in horror and thrillers, crafts a disturbing and eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge.
The film, which revolves around an American family visiting a British couple at a remote farmhouse, slowly builds tension as the couple’s seemingly innocuous behavior turns into something much more sinister.
The unsettling nature of the storyline, combined with McAvoy’s haunting performance, has earnedSpeak No Evilaccolades from horror fans and critics alike.
Despite this positive reception from reviewers, it seems the film’s psychological horror elements have not translated to wide audience appeal, at least in its early box office days.
Still, with the film receiving such favorable reviews, there’s potential for it to gain more traction in the coming weeks through word of mouth.
What makesSpeak No Evilstand out is its slow-burn approach to horror.
The story follows an American family invited by a seemingly friendly British couple to their remote farmhouse for a weekend getaway.
As the weekend unfolds, however, the hosts begin to push the boundaries, testing the family’s limits in increasingly disturbing ways.
This psychological torment is where the film excels, drawing out suspense and dread as the American family is plunged deeper into their hosts’ twisted games.
The film’s themes of manipulation and control are expertly conveyed, making it a chilling experience for viewers.
Watkins’ direction brings out the best in McAvoy, who once again proves he can carry a horror film with ease.
While not as fast-paced or jump-scare-heavy as other modern horror films,Speak No Evilhas a certain slow-burning dread that leaves a lasting impression on those who appreciate psychologicalhorror.
Why Audiences May Be Hesitant
So why hasn’tSpeak No Evilresonated with the wider audience in the same way thatSplitorGlassdid? One reason could be the saturation of psychological horror films in recent years.
With a slew of movies that dive deep into mental manipulation, psychological trauma, and unsettling human behavior, audiences may be simply growing weary of the genre.
Another factor could be the film’s slower pacing. Unlike traditional horror films that rely on constant jump scares and fast-paced action,Speak No Eviltakes its time building tension.
While this style appeals to fans of more cerebral horror, it might not attract mainstream audiences who prefer their horror to be more immediate and visceral.
Moreover, with competition from other high-profile films at the box office,Speak No Evilfaced stiff competition, which could have affected its overallperformance.
What’s Next forSpeak No Evil?
While the box office numbers may not be as high as some anticipated,Speak No Evilstill has potential for growth.
Horror films often rely on word of mouth to sustain their performance in later weeks, and with positive reviews coming in from critics, there’s a chance that this psychological thriller will continue to draw in audiences.
Additionally, with the Halloween season around the corner, horror films tend to see a spike in interest during this time of year.
Speak No Evilcould capitalize on this seasonal trend and draw in more viewers as the spooky season approaches.
Region
Opening Weekend Earnings ($ Million)
United States
11.5
United Kingdom
1.8
Mexico
0.8
Spain
0.8
Other Territories
5.9
Total (Worldwide)
20.81
Table:Speak No EvilBox Office Performance in Key Markets
Conclusion
James McAvoy’sSpeak No Evilmay not have had a record-breaking opening, but it’s far from a flop.
With global earnings of $20.81 million and a decent reception from critics, the film has managed to achieve a minorbox officemilestone, earning over 34% more than its production budget during its debut weekend.
While it may not have garnered widespread audience appeal just yet,Speak No Evilcould still have a strong run, especially as horror fans seek out new films in the lead-up to Halloween.
With its chilling premise and McAvoy’s gripping performance, this slow-burn psychological horror may well become a sleeper hit.
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
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