Heretic (2024) spoiler free review
Question everything. Heretic is a 2024 American horror thriller film written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The film had its world premiere on September 8, 2024 at the Toronto International Film Festival, and was released on November 1, 2024 in the UK and Ireland, and on November 8, 2024 in the United States by A24.
Two young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed, Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes, Chloe East as Sister Paxton, Topher Grace as Elder Kennedy, and Elle Young as Prophet.
My Opinion
As part of their commitment to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, two missionaries arrive at the home of the reclusive Mr. Reed. After being convinced under the false pretense that his wife was in the kitchen, the young women enter the house without knowing the test that awaits them. Initiating a game of cat and mouse, they will be forced to question and defend their faith if they want to stay alive.
Feeling like a theology class, Heretic leads us to question modern religions and their doctrines. Instead of forcing a change of thought or faith on the audience, the character played by Hugh Grant presents his thoughts in a respectful manner and opens the door to debate. Religion and philosophy come together creating a refreshing and intelligent script.
Hugh Grant uses his well-known charm and transforms into a man who makes your skin crawl. Without losing his smile and composure, he maintains control of the situation creating a claustrophobic feeling as if he were cornering you against a wall. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East also stand out in representing the different ways that a religious person can think and behave. While Thatcher’s character suffers a family loss leading her to be inflexible, East’s character shows innocence and more willingness to question. This duality of thought and actions creates a different destiny for each one.
The small details are the most important and like a puzzle, the pieces begin to fall into place but never making the plot predictable. With a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, Heretic grabs you from the first minute, gradually revealing the terror that hides behind the door. This psychological game will keep you at the edge of your seat and is one of the biggest surprises of the year. The cinematography, music, pase, writing, acting, and one location setting come together to create a clever and enjoyable religious horror film.