‘HERETIC’: Hugh Grant And A Twist
Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their work on ‘A Quiet Place’ and their mastery in crafting tension and suspense, delve into the complexities of religion, belief, and hope in this sharp horror film produced by A24.
Delightfully, one of the most surprising and effective elements of the film is Hugh Grant’s performance as the reclusive and unsettling Mr. Reed. Within the first 15 minutes, all the red flags are raised during his eerie exchanges with Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), two Mormon missionaries who arrive at his door expecting a brief conversation in their bid to convert him. Stepping away from his signature charm and lighthearted roles, Grant delivers an eerie portrayal that is deeply unsettling in the best possible way.
Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East in ‘Heretic’
Another striking aspects of the film is the clever use of Mr. Reed’s house, which feels less like a setting and more like a character in its own right. As Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton enter his home, the space becomes a visual and psychological extension of Reed’s dark intentions.
For the them, as for us, the journey begins in the front living room by the door, where the sense of safety is tenuously preserved with the exit still in sight. However, they are soon drawn deeper into the house, traversing a shadowy corridor that leads to a hidden second living room. This space is a labyrinth, with doors that open to deeper, more disquieting spaces, each pulling the sisters further into Reed’s domain. The house’s layered and unsettling architecture mirrors their gradual descent into danger and uncertainty.
Reed has clearly weaponized his home, designing it to disorient and manipulate his guests, using its oppressive and claustrophobic spaces as a physical manifestation of his ideological trap. The house becomes an ally in his psychological warfare, underscoring the film’s theme of belief being tested in dark and unexpected ways.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in ‘Heretic’
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are both excellent in conveying the underlying tension of wanting to believe that everything will turn out fine while simultaneously anticipating the worst. This delicate balance, which they both strive to maintain for their own mental strength, sustains the tension for much of the film’s first half. They hide their fear as events spiral, until there is nothing left to do but attempt to flee. While Thatcher is compelling as the film’s anchor, East’s character reveals unexpected layers of resourcefulness, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the film’s heavier themes and predictable developments.
Despite its strong start, ‘Heretic’ struggles to maintain its momentum. The pacing drags as the story takes too long to make its point, and even Grant’s creepiness has its limits (his tendency to over-talk in certain moments detracts from the mystery and suspense). The exploration of religion and belief is thought-provoking, but at times feels heavy-handed and repetitive. By the time the ending arrives, the film leans into a clichéd resolution, failing to deliver the visceral impact we had hoped for.
Chloe East in ‘Heretic’
Still, it is a bizarre and uneasy film that excels in creating atmosphere and delivers some standout performances, particularly from Hugh Grant and Chloe East. It raises intriguing questions on faith and resilience, and it’s also a lot of fun to watch Grant have a blast playing the creepy Mr. Reed.