About the film (courtesy of A24):
Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Heretic, the latest film from co-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (Haunt (2019)/65 (2023)), is a chilling exploration of blind faith and the insidious nature of manipulation. While it may not reinvent the psychological thriller genre, it delivers a slow-burning suspense that will keep you on edge, questioning your own instincts and the motives of those around you.
Hugh Grant, known for his charming and affable persona, takes a dark turn as Mr. Reed, a seemingly benevolent husband who welcomes two young missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), into his home.
Grant masterfully portrays Mr. Reed with a subtle ambiguity that keeps you guessing. Is he a genuine beacon of hope in a troubled time, or is there something more sinister lurking beneath his overly friendly facade? The film expertly plays on this uncertainty, creating an atmosphere of unease that permeates every scene.
Thatcher and East deliver equally compelling performances as the young missionaries, each grappling with their own doubts and vulnerabilities. Their contrasting personalities create an interesting dynamic, with Sister Paxton’s unwavering faith clashing with Sister Barnes’s growing skepticism.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually. While some viewers may find the slow burn approach frustrating, it effectively creates a sense of creeping dread that mirrors the characters’ growing sense of unease. The isolated setting and atmospheric cinematography further enhance the film’s unsettling tone.
Heretic excels in its exploration of the human psyche and the ways in which our trust can be exploited. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of faith, the dangers of blind obedience, and the fine line between devotion and manipulation. It challenges viewers to consider how they would react in similar situations, forcing them to confront their own vulnerabilities and biases.
Heretic is not a film for those seeking jump scares or gratuitous violence (to be clear, I’m not saying that this experience is completely devoid of such things…). Instead, it relies on psychological tension and a creeping sense of dread to unsettle the viewer. The film’s power lies in its ability to exploit our innate desire to trust, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable reality that appearances can be deceiving.
While the film’s climax may not deliver the explosive revelations some might expect, it offers a satisfyingly unsettling resolution that lingers. Heretic is a reminder that evil often hides in plain sight, disguised as benevolence and preying on our innate desire to believe in something greater than ourselves.
Though not a groundbreaking masterpiece, Heretic is a well-crafted thriller that will appeal to fans of slow-burn suspense and psychological drama. Hugh Grant’s chilling performance, coupled with the film’s thought-provoking themes and atmospheric direction, make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a film that will take up residence in their heads for a little while after the lights come on.
Heretic opens in theaters everywhere starting Friday, November 8th with early showtimes on Thursday evening.
