Synopsis:
In Heretic, two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and become ensnared in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Written and Directed by: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Hugh Grant
Edition:
Theater (opening weekend – I was excited)
My Thoughts:
Heretic is probably not going to be beloved by overly religious types. It will probably not be embraced by those looking for jump-scares or gore. But if you go for tension, and you can handle (or like me, tend to love) excessive monologuing (apparently not a word, don’t care), Heretic will probably be right up your alley. Also, probably helpful if you like a little Old-Time Religion (Todd Kiesling if you’re out there, I’m sorry I ripped that directly out of Devil’s Creek) in your horror.
Hugh Grant plays gloriously out of type in Heretic, which is wonderful. I normally don’t particularly enjoy his work (excepting Lair of the White Worm and Dungeons and Dragons). I guess what I’m saying is I only enjoy him playing against type. That very Hugh-Grant-like character he has been typecast into is grating. This version of him is a god damned delight. His Mr. Reed is INTENSELY unsettling. Grant does an impeccable job of being an absolutely unhinged human being. I mean, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East perform wonderfully, but Heretic is truly a showcase for Hugh Grant.
The thing I enjoyed most about Mr. Reed is the way he calls bullshit on all religion by presenting arguments that are also…bullshit. So many of the facts he presents are…not factual. Right down to The Air That I Breathe first being performed by The Hollies. It wasn’t. It was written by Albert Hammond and first performed on his debut album in 1972, covered by Phil Everly in 1973, and only after that did The Hollies do their cover, released in 1974 – although admittedly they had the most success with their version. That is the version we all know today. And his arguments about iterations are contentious to say the least.
“You believe your God tests you, but tell me, what if it’s me testing Him through you?“
His own bullshittery aside, Mr. Reed’s arguments aren’t totally without merit, although I feel that his thesis is…flawed to say the least. Flat out, the man is dangerous, delusional, and extremely charming cult leader-type. Although much of what he says is demonstrably false, he still gives Sisters Paxton (East) and Barnes (Thatcher) a lot to think about. And there are certainly cracks. Heretic makes that much apparent.
Overall, I really enjoyed the way Heretic picks at belief and faith. Personally, I am totally non-religious. I am a card-carrying atheist, and I don’t personally understand the appeal of religion. However, with the caveat that I’m not of the right affiliation to be offended by media that questions my system of religious belief, I don’t think Heretic is really doing that anyway. I think the main idea here was that it is our duty to question. In that respect, I do agree with Mr. Reed. It is absolutely ludicrous to believe something despite a plethora of evidence to the contrary of our belief. It makes no sense. But there is where my agreements with him end. He is otherwise very scary and not cool.
Rating:
I wish that I could say something more profound about this movie. There is a lot going on. I need to watch it again. You might get an updated review after that. But I’ll say this – Heretic was great. It was lots of fun, good for a deep think and/or discussion afterward, and if I hear one person call it “elevated horror” I will fucking scream (I HATE THAT TERM SO MUCH).
Heretic
Directed by: Scott Beck & Bryan Woods
US Release Date: November 8, 2024
A24
Rated R
111 Minutes
Website
