Heretic

In Heretic , Scott Beck and Bryan Woods take a different direction, exploring faith and belief in the context of a thriller. They place two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), at the heart of a tense confrontation with the ominous Mr. Reed, played with chilling charm by Hugh Grant. The story begins harmlessly enough: Sisters Barnes and Paxton undertake a door-to-door mission in a small town and meet Mr. Reed. However, once they enter his home, it becomes clear that they are caught in a complex psychological trap. Mr. Reed's character challenges their faith through a theological debate that intensifies as the story unfolds, questioning not only their beliefs, but also the broader structures of organized religion.

Mr. Grant's portrayal of Mr. Reed is captivating. He plays a charismatic intellectual who deftly alternates between friendly charm and sinister manipulation. This performance allows Grant to use his familiar, affable persona, while subverting it in a way that reinforces the horror. His character dissects the missionaries' beliefs with a logic that is disturbingly convincing, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine insight and manipulation. The script draws on Reed's training as a specialist in world religions to keep the characters - and the audience - captivated by a cat-and-mouse dynamic in which Reed persists in dismantling the women's convictions, using references to pop culture and religious history to bolster his arguments.

Sophie Thatcher, as Sister Barnes, and Chloe East, as Sister Paxton, bring depth to their roles, portraying young women at different stages of their spiritual journey. Barnes, a relatively recent convert, embodies strength and skepticism, counterbalancing Paxton's unshakeable faith and innocence. This dynamic is at the heart of the film, as the two women's differing responses to Reed's psychological tests reveal complex layers of character and faith. Thatcher's ability to convey Barnes' resilience, as well as Paxton's vulnerability portrayed by East, give the film a solid emotional foundation that complements its intellectual themes.

Heretic's atmosphere is perfectly crafted, relying heavily on dialogue to build tension. Taking place almost entirely in Mr. Reed's house, the confined space accentuates the sense of claustrophobia and anxiety. The production design reflects Mr. Reed's twisted psyche, with low lighting and strategically placed objects suggesting an eerie past. This closed setting, combined with Chung-hoon Chung's cinematography, allows for close-ups of the characters that emphasize their vulnerability and isolation. The house, a labyrinthine space with hidden corners and cryptic symbols, becomes a physical manifestation of Mr. Reed's psychological hold over his guests.

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods excel at balancing suspense and philosophical discussion, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats while exploring complex theological issues. They conceive Heretic as a cerebral horror film that goes beyond the typical conventions of the genre, making the horror as much about the ideas explored as the physical entrapment of the protagonists. While some viewers may find the film's dialogue-heavy structure demanding, the script's sharp wit and complex debates contribute to a compelling narrative that challenges conventional horror tropes.

As the film progresses, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods introduce changes that push Heretic into more traditional horror territory, with twists that raise the stakes and reveal the darker sides of Reed's character. Even in these moments, however, the emphasis remains on the psychological, with the characters' decisions driven by their beliefs rather than simple survival instincts. The third act may seem a little less innovative, as the story relies on familiar horror patterns, but it remains effective thanks to well-established characters and themes.

Heretic is a thought-provoking horror film that uses faith as both narrative device and thematic core. Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed is outstanding, turning his charming demeanor into a tool of insidious manipulation. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East deliver solid performances that keep the emotional stakes high, making the film's philosophical underpinnings resonate on a personal level. Beck and Woods have created a unique horror experience, combining incisive dialogue, solid performances and a disturbing setting to create a story that stays in the mind long after the credits roll. Heretic is a film that doesn't just entertain, but invites reflection on belief, control and the power of faith in the face of fear.

Heretic
Written and directed by Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Produced by Stacey Sher, Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Julia Glausi, Jeanette Volturno
Starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East
Cinematography : Chung Chung-hoon
Edited by Justin Li
Music by Chris Bacon
Production companies : A24, Beck/Woods, Shiny Penny
Distributed by A24 (United States), Le Pacte (France)
Release dates : September 8, 2024 (TIFF), November 8, 2024 (United States), November 27, 2024 (France)
Running time : 111 minutes

Seen on October 31, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 5 seat A19

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