Heretic (2024)

Release Date: October 27, 2024
Director: Paul Ireland
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East

Well, it finally happened. I ventured back into the dark, sticky floors of the cinema after a too-long hiatus, armed with a couple of beers and low expectations. Scrolling through the current offerings, I stumbled upon Heretic, a movie that promised some existential dread and philosophical musings. Sounded like a decent bet—or at least better than watching the same rom-com on streaming for the fourth time.

What unfolded was a curious blend of thought-provoking dialogue, eerie atmosphere, and a slightly frustrating refusal to live up to its own potential. I left the theater not exactly spooked but definitely contemplative. And maybe a little tipsy.

Two Sisters, One Creepy House

The movie begins innocently enough with two missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), strolling through a suburban neighborhood on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their task? Convert the skeptical, spread the good word, and try not to get the door slammed in their faces. (I couldn’t help but flash back to the times I used to hide behind my couch when Jehovah’s Witnesses came knocking—those were the days!)

But the sisters’ day takes a sharp turn when they meet Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), a polite but unnervingly intense man who invites them into his home after expressing interest in their teachings. Now, if horror has taught us anything, it’s this: Never go into a stranger’s house. Unfortunately, these ladies missed that memo.

Once inside, things quickly spiral into the bizarre. Reed’s house is a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors and unsettling decor, with an overwhelming scent of artificial blueberry pie. No Mrs. Reed to speak of. Just Reed himself, who claims he’s found the “one true religion” and is eager to share it. Spoiler: He’s not exactly handing out pamphlets.

The Game Begins

Hugh Grant absolutely owns the role of Mr. Reed. Gone is the bumbling Brit of Notting Hill—this is Grant at his creepiest. Reed is charming, intellectual, and deeply unsettling, drawing the sisters deeper into his twisted worldview with every word. He introduces them to his “experiment,” a cruel psychological game involving two doors: one marked Beliefand the other Disbelief.

Here’s the kicker—both doors lead to the same dark basement, where the true horror begins. The sisters are forced to navigate Reed’s maze of logic, faith, and manipulation, questioning not just their beliefs but their very survival.

The Performances

• Hugh Grant (Mr. Reed): If charisma were a weapon, Reed would be armed to the teeth. Grant’s portrayal is magnetic, blending intellectual arrogance with a touch of madness. His monologues on faith and religion are delivered with such conviction that you almost forget he’s terrifying.

• Sophie Thatcher (Sister Barnes): Thatcher shines as the film’s anchor, embodying a mix of resilience and vulnerability. Her journey from steadfast believer to shaken survivor is compelling, even when the script falters.

• Chloe East (Sister Paxton): East plays the more skeptical of the two missionaries, bringing a raw, emotional edge to the role. Her chemistry with Thatcher helps ground the film, even as the plot veers into abstract territory.

What Works: Atmosphere and Big Questions

The atmosphere in Heretic is top-notch. Reed’s house is practically a character in itself—its oppressive silence, flickering lights, and claustrophobic design heighten the tension. The sound design deserves a shout-out, too, with every creak, whisper, and echo adding to the unease.

But what really sets Heretic apart is its ambition. The film isn’t content to scare you with jump scares or gore (though there are a few effective moments); instead, it aims to mess with your head. Through Reed’s debates with Barnes and Paxton, Heretic explores weighty topics like the nature of faith, the similarities between religions, and the power dynamics that underpin belief systems.

At its best, the dialogue is sharp and thought-provoking. Reed’s arguments are compelling, even if you don’t agree with them, and the sisters’ responses feel authentic to their characters.

What Doesn’t Work: Missed Potential

For all its ambition, Heretic often feels like it’s holding back. The central premise—a man forcing two missionaries to confront their beliefs through psychological manipulation—is rich with potential, but the film only scratches the surface.

Why does Reed go to such lengths to test their faith? What’s the deal with the mysterious doors? And why blueberry pie of all things? The movie leaves these questions unanswered, leaning into ambiguity in a way that feels less intentional and more like a cop-out.

The pacing is another issue. The first act is gripping, but the middle drags as Reed’s monologues start to overstay their welcome. By the time the film shifts into more traditional horror territory in the basement, it feels like too little, too late.

Scares and Sound

While Heretic is more cerebral than visceral, it doesn’t shy away from horror entirely. The basement scenes, in particular, deliver some genuinely chilling moments. One standout involves a distorted hymn that had me gripping my armrest like it was a lifeline.

The film’s use of sound is masterful. Every whisper, creak, and hum feels meticulously crafted to keep you on edge. Even in its quieter moments, the movie maintains a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag of Faith and Fear

Heretic is a fascinating, if flawed, exploration of religion, belief, and human psychology. Its performances—especially Hugh Grant’s—are strong, and its atmosphere is undeniably creepy. But the film’s refusal to fully commit to its ideas holds it back from greatness.

Would I recommend it? If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn psychological thriller with a philosophical twist, Heretic is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to answer all your questions—or keep you awake at night.

Until next time, keep the beers cold and your movie picks questionable. Cheers! 🍻

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 10 stars)