Heretic: Film Review
Hugh Grant made his name as a dashing heartthrob in ’90s romantic comedies so his dramatic transformation into a horror villain in Heretic is all the more unnerving.
The film follows two Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who visit homes hoping to spread the word of the LDS Church. One day, they knock on the door of Mr. Reed (Grant), who welcomes them in, insisting that his wife is in the kitchen. There is more to Mr. Reed than meets the eye – he wants to test their beliefs in extreme ways.
I was most impressed by the film’s intellectually stimulating and often funny script, written by directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (who created A Quiet Place). They present a really interesting debate about religion that I found myself thinking about for hours. Reed believes that religious people have faith in a deity because someone told them to and that Mormon teachings are iterations of other religions. Although his methods are mad, Reed poses some compelling theories and presents his arguments in an easily digestible way.
I enjoyed these conversations more than the horror aspect. Once the sisters choose a door (that’s not a spoiler), the film introduces more generic horror elements and I lost interest – not completely, but I certainly wasn’t as hooked as I was before. There are some surprises that I liked but the third act overall felt quite far-fetched. Fans of the genre may not be satisfied with the level of horror in the film. I would class it as a thriller that becomes a horror later on.
Both of the young actresses are excellent in their roles and their characters are smart and resourceful. I particularly liked East because Sister Paxton is unfailingly friendly and polite, even when it’s clear Mr. Reed has evil intent.
But the star of the show is of course Grant, who is wonderfully sinister and menacing. He proved himself as a larger-than-life panto-style villain in Paddington 2 but Mr. Reed is much more subtle, intelligent and grounded. Grant does not play him like a moustache-twitching baddie. He truly believes all of his philosophies and wants to test their faith.
Heretic may lose its way in the last act but it’s a thrilling and thought-provoking film with an unforgettable turn from Grant.
In select cinemas from Thursday 31st October and wide from Friday 1st November