Mackenzie Davis Interview: The Joy of James McAvoy & Her Hot Take on the Speak No Evil Ending

I’ve been a very big fan of Mackenzie Davis’ for some time. I quite enjoyed our very first interview for What If back in 2013 and, like many out there, absolutely adored the AMC series, Halt and Catch Fire. While my enthusiasm for Davis’ work continues, the more we talk, the more why I’m drawn to her work in general comes into focus. During this latest conversation, Davis noted, “I do really give a shit, and I'm not a good liar.” That right there sums up her vibe in all interviews. Her answers are always impassioned and honest. Not only does that make her an especially wonderful Collider Ladies Night guest, but those qualities bolster every single film she’s in, including her latest, Speak No Evil.

Inspired by the 2022 Danish original, James Watkins’ Speak No Evil stars Davis and her Halt and Catch Fire co-star, Scoot McNairy, as Louise and Ben, a couple vacationing with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) in Italy. While there, they meet Paddy (James McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their son, Ant (Dan Hough). After enjoying their getaway with this far more free-spirited couple, it’s time for Louise and Ben to return home where they must face relationship woes and financial struggles. When they receive an invitation to visit Paddy and Ciara’s countryside home, they accept hoping that another day-to-day shake-up could be just what they need to put them on a better path. The trouble is, this particular getaway is destined to become a psychological nightmare.

The original Speak No Evil is an exceptional film, which left many wondering, why remake it, especially so soon after the original’s release? Admittedly, I was quite skeptical myself, but then I saw the new movie. Not only is Watkins’ Speak No Evil a hugely entertaining and effective thrill, but it’s also one that sparks a fascinating conversation about human connection and how far one is willing to be pushed. In particular, how far can Davis’ Louise be pushed before she’s had enough and must leave that house? The movie’s success hinges on Davis’ ability to get the audience on board with Louise’s internal struggle and, courtesy of her pursuit of truth in her work, she pulls that off exceptionally well.

With Speak No Evil now playing in theaters nationwide, Davis joined me for her second Collider Ladies Night conversation to recap how she developed her approach to her work as an actor, and how she applied it to Louise in Speak No Evil to ensure you’re with her every single step of the way throughout this extremely twisted vacation.

00:00 Dicey Questions
04:45 Introduction
05:50 How to Become an Actor
06:10 Studying Acting in School
08:09 Hollywood DO and DO NOT
10:27 Standing Up for Herself
11:49 Having a Meaningful Voice in Hollywood
13:25 Tully
14:51 Acting Techniques
16:34 Speak No Evil: James McAvoy
17:44 Speak No Evil: Aisling Franciosi & Scoot McNairy
20:05 Speak No Evil: Alix West Lefler & Dan Hough
21:36 What Does She Look for in a Horror Movie?
22:45 Mackenzie’s Recent Favorite Movies
23:32 Speak No Evil: James Watkins
24:32 Directing and Producing
26:57 Speak No Evil SPOILERS

#mackenziedavis #interview #speaknoevil #acting #jamesmcavoy

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