HERETIC: Hugh Grant Shines in This Mindf*ck Horror Thriller

Two missionaries are trapped in a horrifying game that will lead them to question their faith. Starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East, Heretic is one of the year’s most captivating psychological horror films. It’s a theology cat-and-mouse game that will have you entranced the moment Grant flashes his disarming smile.

The film begins with us meeting Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East), who are biking around town to speak to people about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While Barnes is very devout in her faith, Paxton has many questions about religion and life. But still, they are normal teens, even bantering with each other over the size of condoms.

They stop at the home of Mr. Reed, played by Grant, as he had requested more information about the church. He is charming and warm and invites the two girls into his house while his wife bakes a pie in the kitchen.

As they begin to speak about their religion, Mr. Reed challenges them about various aspects of Mormonism. As the conversation continues, they feel uncomfortable and question if his wife will join them. But they’ll soon realize Mr. Reed may have more sinister motives.

From the start, the film’s tagline, “Question everything”, is prominent. It maintains your curiosity and suspicion for its entire runtime, which keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat. Of course, this is a result of a very clever script but also largely due to Grant’s performance.

Mr. Reed is an enigma. He possesses a certain charm that makes him seem trustworthy. However, as he steers the conversation, his intentions become increasingly questionable, particularly as he plants seeds of religious doubt in the girls. This may lead you to feel differently about him, depending on your views on religion. The uncertainty of whether you can trust his motives adds an element of intrigue that is highly entertaining for viewers.

It’s my favorite performance of Grant’s in a very long time. He has these intense, long-winded monologues that are captivating to watch, and he plays into the character’s psychology so well. It’s easily one of the best of his career.

Grant’s performance aside, the script is also extremely complex in the best way possible. Co-written by directing duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (who also wrote A Quiet Place), they craft something intriguing that never tires. There’s a heavy theme of deconstructing religious ideologies, but they still leave much of it open for interpretation.

The structure of the film is also something I thoroughly enjoyed. It plays into these psychological games with such fluidity. There is some well-balanced levity between Thatcher and East, but also macabre humor that Grant so expertly delivers. It helps to break up the roller coaster of tension in the film. Again, it feels connected to the idea of questioning everything since it constantly has you feeling disarmed but then on alert.

But the film doesn’t just stay in the arena of philosophical mind games, as it’s also filled with meticulously crafted twists. These revelations are so shocking, though tricky to dive into without spoilers. But I will say the third act truly takes some wild turns that will make this more interesting to watch a second time around.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention how incredible Thatcher and East are. They have a lot of labor in their performances, which Grant called out in a screening Q&A. He highlighted how they have many scenes with tight shots on their faces to show how they are reacting, which requires so much physicality in their delivery and expression.

Heretic is an exceptionally crafted horror thriller, easily one of my favorites of the year. I enjoyed the intimacy of the cast and how it’s really a character study of the three leads. And its engaging premise is only elevated further by the fantastic performances. If you love an exhilarating mystery or films with a religious or theoretical narrative, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Heretic is in theaters November 8