Cast: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Directors: Scott Beck & Bryan Woods
In Irish Cinemas: 1st November 2024
The marketing campaign for Heretic began with a darkly intriguing tone, as producer and distributor A24 initiated a series of cryptic teasers. First, they announced the release of a blueberry pie-scented candle—a seemingly innocuous detail that hinted at a more profound mystery. Then, eerie missing person posters began appearing at Salt Lake City International Airport, a location chosen for its reputation as the heart of Mormon culture. The posters posed a chilling question to passersby: “What happened to Paxton and Barnes?” Since then, Heretic has debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Zurich Film Festival, with UK audiences set to experience it on All Saints’ Day. Yet despite its festival premieres and carefully constructed marketing, the question remains: are viewers any closer to understanding the secrets this sectarian thriller holds?
The sisters, Paxton and Barnes, portrayed respectively by Chloe East (from The Fabelmans) and Sophie Thatcher, serve as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With a dedicated sense of purpose, they go door-to-door to introduce new members to their faith, sharing their beliefs with anyone willing to listen. Their mission eventually leads them to the doorstep of an eccentric, overly welcoming host, played by Hugh Grant. Unlike most people they encounter, he’s all too eager to engage in a spirited discussion on religion, challenging the young women’s perspectives with a mix of wit and enthusiasm.
It’s somewhat surprising that filmmakers have taken this long to harness the charisma that made Grant a romantic lead throughout much of his career and repurpose it for darker, more menacing roles. Traditionally cast as the sardonic yet redeemable antihero or the charming villain in a family-friendly film, Grant’s on-screen appeal has rarely been used to such chilling effect. In his role as Mr Reed, he is polite, sociable, and disarmingly friendly—his smile just as dazzling as it was in his early days on screen. Yet beneath this familiar charm lies the suggestion of a true psychopath, a character whose magnetism only amplifies the unsettling tension in every scene. His charm doesn’t just endear him; it intensifies the horror of the situation for the girls, turning what might seem innocent into something far more disturbing.
The characters in Heretic are deeply committed to maintaining social niceties, often at the expense of their safety. Their avoidance of even mild confrontation reaches such extremes that they ignore every instinct and warning bell that signals potential danger. This behaviour draws a clear parallel to Speak No Evil, yet Heretic critiques this self-imposed restraint to a new level. The story highlights how these characters willingly submit to invisible chains of politeness, choosing compliance over instinct. While Heretic initially seems to explore themes of free will, this idea ultimately reveals its limits without veering into spoiler territory. Mr. Reed, the host, frequently reminds his guests that they are free to leave whenever they choose, which raises a broader question: why, as humans, do we often impose rigid rules and limitations on ourselves? In a world where time is finite, Heretic challenges the self-imposed boundaries we create, inviting viewers to examine why we feel compelled to bind ourselves within social expectations that may serve no purpose but to stifle.
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods are best known for their work on screenplays like A Quiet Place and The Boogeyman, so it’s no surprise that their skilful direction of dialogue stands out as one of this feature’s greatest strengths. The film’s first half is solid and engaging, setting a promising foundation. However, the narrative seems to drift into a creative stalemate as it progresses. Rather than thoughtfully expanding on Mr. Reed’s theories, the story pivots to a series of superficial attempts to implement his ideas. This shift ultimately weakens the impact of the film’s arguments, with meaningful discussion giving way to mere shock value, undermining the intended depth and resonance.
While Heretic may miss the opportunity to carve out a more profound or lasting impact, opting instead to adhere to familiar genre conventions, its entertainment value remains undeniable. The film’s strengths, particularly in the performance delivered by Grant, shine through, meriting the widespread acclaim it has received. Grant’s portrayal is both captivating and nuanced, making it an experience best enjoyed in a crowded theatre, where the shared energy of the audience enhances the film’s appeal and amplifies its memorable moments.
Overall: 7/10
Movie Reviewer
