HERETIC -- Thoughtful Horror

Review by Adam Donato

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods put their names on the map when they came up with the story for A Quiet Place. They received their first chance to make a wide release movie in the form of 65, which flopped both critically and at the box office. The pair of filmmakers reteams not even a year later with Sophie Thatcher, the star of another horror film they wrote called The Boogeyman (2023).

​Thatcher and co-star Chloe East are young missionaries going door to door to spread the word of their religion when they come across the door of Hugh Grant’s character. Far removed is Grant from his heartthrob, romantic comedy days as his career has turned towards more fantasy, action, and comedies. Heretic is an A24 film and is sure to garner quite the audience due to that alone, but is it good enough to deserve the label. 

Hugh Grant is no stranger to playing the villain lately, and his performance in Heretic is where the movie shines. The film has a classic horror concept of a man holding a couple young women hostage, but diverts from the formula in that his character doesn’t appear to be openly hostile. Instead he’s more focused on deep discussions about theology and belief. The film peaks when Grant is monologuing about his cause. He’s so eloquent and charming. This adds a layer of uncertainty to the creepiness the missionaries are experiencing. Grant is quite funny as well, which helps keep this dark concept feeling light. He’s like a delightful, British Jigsaw. The main characters become more interesting as they gain more agency, but the majority of the film is carried by Grant’s performance.

The film is all about religion as Grant’s character wrestles with the validity of religion and puts the missionary's faith to the test. In a horror landscape filled with Terrifier sequels, it’s nice to watch a horror film that encourages the audience to think. The themes are very engaging and it’s very interesting seeing the different perspectives the characters have about the concepts at play. While it is a film that heavily questions religion, the film isn’t insulting enough to completely alienate religious audiences. It’s an interesting subversion of cultural norms in this story as usually older generations maintain their religious faith, while young people seem to abandon religion. Here, we explore the opposite. 

Thatcher and East are both good in the film. Missionaries are a group that’s easy to shut your door on, but the two actresses bring relatability to the role and make you sympathize with them. Their best scenes are when the two of them are alone talking about their thoughts and beliefs. The film quickly and clearly sets up how the two are similar, but different in certain ways, which sets the table for the concepts at play quite nicely. 

Heretic is a fun and thoughtful horror film that is sure to keep you guessing. The film plays with larger than life themes, but delivers them in digestible ways and finds a way to wrangle it into a satisfying conclusion. The slash ‘em up, gore fest horror fans may not be satisfied with this one, but if you enjoy engaging dialogue and debate, then Heretic is the horror film for you. Be sure to check this one out in theaters soon. 

Heretic is in theaters everywhere on November 8. 
​
Rating: 4/5