James McAvoy has developed a newfound appreciation for The Bangles.

In the horror film “Speak No Evil,” released on Friday, his character Paddy takes his recent friend Ben (Scoot McNairy) and his family on a trip to the English countryside. During a car ride, Paddy passionately sings “Eternal Flame,” bewildering his guest.

After that, a series of troubling events unfold, yet McAvoy still cherishes the 1980s classic. “It means even more to me now; I loved that experience,” says the Scottish actor. “I have a friend who can look deeply into my eyes and sing a whole song right in front of me, like we’re creating a shared magical moment.”

In this adaptation of the 2022 Danish thriller, Ben (McNairy), his wife Louise (Mackenzie Davis), and their daughter (Alix West Lefler) are vacationing in Italy when they encounter the very outgoing Paddy, his partner Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and their son Ant (Dan Hough). They bond well, leading Paddy to invite them to his home, but their joyful trip soon shifts – revealing Paddy’s sinister motives.

“You’ve got this wholesome couple whom you’d never want to emulate, and then there’s this couple with dark undertones making you wish for their passionate connection,” McAvoy remarks. “This play on the audience’s morals and feelings on various levels was both a gift and a challenge.”

At 45, McAvoy is known for portraying heroes like young Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” series, as well as villains, such as the multiple personalities in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Split” and “Glass.” He notes that playing Paddy requires balancing elements of horror and humor.

“For about an hour and ten minutes, I had to maintain that middle ground, allowing for the potential of both horror and comedy without tipping into either,” McAvoy explains. “Everyone’s eager to see something terrifying unfold. The real question is how much can you tease the audience before delivering a shocking moment?”

While embodying the character of “good” Paddy, McAvoy drew inspiration from friends who exemplify positive masculinity. However, he believes that not many people are as toxic as Paddy can be.

“What was crucial about Paddy is not so much his toxicity or evil intentions, which are typical villain traits,” McAvoy reflects. “We can recognize those traits, and they feel almost mundane – upsetting yet real. But I think we can comprehend them.”

What makes Paddy compelling, according to McAvoy, is his enjoyment in his actions. “It might sound trivial, but here’s a bad guy relishing his actions; it’s a man doing wrong, yet trying to savor life – and that’s something admirable. Many good people – decent citizens, partners, or parents – struggle to even attempt to enjoy life.”

“Speak No Evil” alters several elements from the original, but one pivotal line remains: When questioned about his actions, Paddy calmly replies, “Because you let me.”

McAvoy feels that a central message of the film addresses social compliance and the extent to which society, individually and collectively, permits institutions to dictate our lives. “Why do they act this way? Because we allow it. We don’t protest. We often stick to our usual political affiliations, and we neglect to express our views when we witness injustice,” he states.

“What drives this? Laziness? Politeness? It seems to encapsulate both themes in this film.”