Let’s talk about Heretic—because I do not know about you, but I have got a soft spot for any horror film that manages to make my skin crawl without the help of an army of bloodthirsty demons or a chain-saw. And Heretic is certainly no ordinary scary flick. It is a psychological thriller-horror that combines existential dread with chilling suspense, all wrapped up in a very atmospheric, snow-covered package. Trust me when I say, after watching this film, you will have much to ponder on, and might even question – especially your next invitation for a slice of pie.
Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Heretic taps into the quiet terror of being trapped in a house, with nowhere to run and only your wits to rely on. Oh, and did I mention it’s a horror movie about two young Mormon missionaries – played impressively by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East? The movie stars Hugh Grant doing one of his most delightfully offbeat role yet, in the era of what could easily be called a Hugh Grant Renaissance.
Knock, Knock…Who’s There?
Imagine this: Two young Mormon missionaries, tasked with the noble job of converting people to their faith, knock on a stranger’s door in the middle of a stormy weather. They expect a polite rejection—or perhaps, ideally, a conversation about baptism. What they do not expect is Mr. Reid, portrayed by Hugh Grant, to invite them into his oddball lair. He is charming, smooth, intellectual, and disturbingly good at challenging them. Soon, these two young women realize they are trapped in a psychological game, with Reid playing the most unsettling host you could imagine.
On the surface, it all seems normal—except for the fact that Reid refuses to introduce them to his wife, who is allegedly busy baking blueberry pie in the kitchen. As the plot progresses, we also discover that the house is more labyrinthine than a haunted mansion. And did I mention there’s metal in the walls preventing the girls from using their phones? Things go from creepy to downright disturbing, and it is hard not to feel a little trapped yourself as the tension builds.
Heretic sets out to question the very nature of belief without getting overly intellectual. Our creep, Mr. Reed, is not just some two-dimensional villain; he is a mirror to the missionaries’ own religious and personal convictions, challenging their views with ferocity – an at times, by listing incorrect facts. The film weaves in discussions of religion—Mormonism included—but not in a preachy way. It is more like an unsettling duel that happens in the most unexpected places.
The conversations among these three start innocently enough, but bit by bit, Reid pulls the young women—and us—deeper into his web. We cannot help but wonder; is he truly challenging their faith, or is he playing a more sinister game of control? As the claustrophobia sets in, it is clear: the stakes are much higher than simply winning a (sensitive) debate.
The House as a Character
Another character in the film is the house itself. The production design is top-notch, creating a setting that is as much a part of the story as the actors. I adore movies like that (Rebecca 1940 or The Others 2001 come to me first). Mr. Reed’s house is not just a backdrop; it is a maze of shifting spaces, from cozy rooms with old furniture to creepy basements, a library featuring an altar (!) and dark corridors. There is a sense of unease that builds as our protagonists move through the house, with the camera often lingering and slowly circling around (nicely choreographed).
There’s also a beautiful, almost Leonardo da Vinci-esque contraption that Reid has built to collect water from the leaking roof. This, among other details, hints immediately at his obsession with control, invention and utmost creativity. He is no simple antagonist; he is someone who believes that everything—everything—can be understood, dissected, and even: manipulated.
The Humor: Dark, Darker, Darkest
While Heretic is a psychological thriller-horror, it does not shy away from dark humor. The choices in analogies and soundtrack make you chuckle and squirm at the same time. This includes “Creep” by Radiohead and Monopoly (yes, you have read that right). And let’s not forget Hugh Grant’s performance! He’s having the time of his life in this role, and it shows. Gone are the rom-com suave moves; here, he is a charming but chilling enigma, playing a psychopath.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who play the missionaries-friends, bring a level of authenticity to their roles that makes their discomfort feel real. Both actresses were raised Mormon, so there is an added layer of depth to their performances—making the tension between faith, doubt, and fear all the more palpable.
Final Thoughts
While Heretic offers plenty to sink your teeth into, the ending is… well, a bit of a puzzle. It lifts the narrative into a more poetic, metaphorical sphere—an attempt to elevate the story to a universal conclusion. But it does not quite succeed. Things just go abruptly, and some viewers may find themselves scratching their heads, wondering if the film’s climax and resolution truly live up to the suspense that came before it. Still, the ending does not detract from the experience as a whole.
At the end of the day, Heretic is a smart, thought-provoking movie that is intellectually stimulating, but remains entertaining and not overly intellectualized, and terrifying. The film succeeds in being an enjoyable horror movie and might work even as a catalyzer for a debate with friends. All in all, it is clever, chilling, and thoroughly entertaining without ever feeling like it’s trying to lecture you.
Heretic is now available on Apple TV and Amazon Video, Prime Video.
~ by Dora Endre ~
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