Scott Beck’s Heretic is a compelling thriller that immerses you in its dark, atmospheric world and challenges you to take a leap of faith. Hugh Grant delivers his best performance to date.
Following the success of A Quiet Place, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the talented writer/director duo, are once again stepping into the horror/thriller genre with an intriguing spin on religious devotion. With HERETIC, they aim to lead their audience down a haunting rabbit hole, offering a genuinely unsettling ride. The film features the increasingly charismatic Hugh Grant, who is bravely taking on more adventurous roles in the latter part of his career and has all the markings of a potential hit. But can this duo really capture lightning in a bottle to provide the psychological thrill we’re all hoping for? Or does Heretic push the boundaries of religious themes too far?
Don’t worry, dear readers—HERETIC truly delivers. This dark, captivating thriller pulls you in and challenges you to take a leap of faith. Hugh Grant gives a standout performance in what might be his most dynamic and engaging role yet, blending charm with an unsettling edge that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Coupled with Chris Bacon’s haunting soundtrack and a genuinely nerve-shredding atmosphere, the film has all the hallmarks of an instant classic that will keep you coming back for more.
REVIEW
The film begins with two young Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) making their way around a picturesque, rural town, attempting to convert people to their church – with middling success. They face constant rejection and ridicule from the Instagram generation, who take delight in mocking them on camera. Yet, determined to spread God’s message, they persist in their mission to reach out to the masses. Their journey leads them to the doorstep of Mr. Reed (Grant), who lives in a secluded area high in the hills, and they soon find themselves in unexpected territory. Despite their strict rule of never entering a home without another woman present, Reed’s charm and promise that his wife is baking a blueberry pie coax them into making an exception. However, the moment they step inside, they quickly realize they may have made a serious error in judgment.
As Reed challenges their beliefs at every turn with his increasingly well-informed counterarguments, the duo grows more and more uncomfortable. Reed’s wife is nowhere to be found, and despite the enticing smell of blueberry pie wafting through the house, Reed’s increasingly biting tone only adds to their unease.
UNNERVING ATMOSPHERE
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods expertly craft a chilling atmosphere right from the start, setting the tone for the entire film. They transform Reed’s home into a character of its own, showcasing its unique setting and eerily intricate details. What initially feels like a warm haven soon morphs into a dark, sinister prison. During their uncomfortable early conversations, the power frequently goes out, plunging the house into shadowy darkness. The only light source is the soft glow of a candle that Reed places on the table between them, a flicker that conceals the unsettling forces at play.
Going into more detail about the film’s plot would spoil the experience, so I’ll hold off on that. However, the heart of the story revolves around the ongoing exchange of beliefs between Reed and the two missionaries. Beck and Woods skillfully weave the narrative, depicting how Mr. Reed ensnares the two women in a complex puzzle, pushing them into a theological debate where any answer he deems unsatisfactory leads to another twist in the puzzle.
BRILLIANT GRANT
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East deliver commendable performances as the two missionaries, but the film truly shines thanks to Hugh Grant’s remarkable portrayal. While I don’t often rate Grant highly as an actor, I must admit that this performance deserves some serious praise. In truth, his previous roles have never fully showcased his range, but the material here pulls the best out of him, resulting in what might be his most impressive work to date.
In Heretic, the character’s quirky, slightly posh charm serves as an ideal facade for a well-educated yet increasingly chilling religious fanatic. The brilliant screenplay by Beck and Woods dives deep into the complexities of religious debate, using Grant’s charisma as a sharp counterpoint to his ever-darkening views. Unraveling the intricate layers of Grant’s character, Reed is both a pleasure and a puzzle that is hard to predict. As opposing viewpoints clash, his thought-provoking comebacks are laced with humor that brilliantly cuts through the film’s sinister atmosphere, offering levity before plunging back into darkness. The combination of comedy and tension keeps viewers hooked, making each twist and turn all the more intriguing. The material highlights Grant’s strengths, elevating the film’s quality. I challenge anyone to resist falling in love with his quirky yet sinister character, Mr. Reed, by the time the credits roll.
A SINISTER SCORE
Chris Bacon’s captivating soundtrack brilliantly complements the material’s increasingly dark and twisted tone. The composer skillfully aligns the score with the film’s narrative, heightening the audience’s sense of unease. This results in an atmospheric soundscape that delivers some genuinely unsettling moments. Additionally, some cleverly chosen needle drops amplify the tension. These popular songs and their modern renditions not only enhance the film but also serve as tools to deepen the growing discomfort experienced by the two missionaries.
Reed expertly uses these musical elements to convey a more ominous undertone over time. It speaks volumes about the filmmakers and the composer for skillfully integrating music and songs throughout, and it’s clear that their efforts have indeed paid off in this instance. The combination encapsulates something unique, offering a fresh experience, and if this represents the direction of modern religious thrillers, then the bar has been raised here.
VERDICT
Overall, Heretic is a wonderfully twisted and captivating film. Led by Hugh Grant’s outstanding performance, it offers a truly unique experience that lingers in your mind well after the credits roll. The blend of horror, humor, and religion is a tricky balance. Still, Beck and Woods’s sharp screenplay navigates this minefield with finesse, providing a rare gem for both horror fans and thriller enthusiasts alike.
Beck and Woods may not have set out to redefine the religious thriller genre, but they succeeded. The film is a refreshing take that genuinely deserves all its accolades. Honestly, there’s very little to critique here. It stands out as unique and cleverly sidesteps the clichés often found in the genre. The result is an engaging thriller that quickly cements its status as a new classic. So, settle in, move to the edge of your seat, and brace yourself for the most uncomfortable 111 minutes of your life.
The blueberry pie may smell delightful, but the aftertaste is a killer!
Heretic will arrive at UK cinemas on November 1st from A24 and Entertainment Film Distributors.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
