Sean Bean’s gripping psychological thriller “Don’t Say a Word” has found a new streaming home in the UK and Ireland, now available on Netflix as of this past weekend. Adapted from Andrew Klavan’s novel, the film showcases Michael Douglas in the role of a New York psychiatrist who must treat a mentally unstable patient, portrayed by Brittany Murphy. The plot thickens as he races against time to save his kidnapped daughter, played by Skye McCole Bartusiak, from a gang of jewel thieves led by Bean’s character, Patrick Koster. To secure her freedom, the psychiatrist must unlock a crucial code from Elisabeth, the mute patient who hasn’t spoken in over a decade.
Despite its newfound accessibility, the film has received a less-than-stellar reception from critics, garnering a lowly 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 113 reviews. However, audience reactions on platforms like IMDb have been notably more positive. Viewers have praised the film as “engrossing,” highlighting performances from Douglas, Bean, and Murphy. One viewer expressed surprise at the film’s quality, stating it exceeded initial expectations of being “cheesy.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling it a “totally underrated” thriller with compelling psychological elements.
For fans of Sean Bean, Netflix offers a selection of his other noteworthy performances. This includes “Flightplan,” where he stars alongside Jodie Foster in a mystery surrounding a missing child on a plane, and the dystopian series “Snowpiercer,” where he plays Joseph Wilford, a billionaire in a frozen world. Another title, the anthology series “Accused,” features Bean in a narrative exploring various characters facing judgment in court, while the “Red Riding Trilogy” sees him as a corrupt real estate developer in a dark tale of crime and institutional corruption.
With its combination of thrilling plot twists and standout performances, “Don’t Say a Word” continues to generate interest, proving that sometimes a film can thrive and gain a new audience despite its critical reception.