HERETIC (2024) – A Thought-Provoking Tale That Descends into Horror
Rating: ⭐⭐ 1/2

The film “Heretic” presents a unique premise by addressing the often-sensitive themes of theology and faith. The narrative follows two young women, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, who are devout believers in the Mormon Christian movement. They visit the home of Mr. Reed, a man who has expressed interest in learning more about their religion. Initially, the sisters are encouraged by Mr. Reed’s apparent knowledge and enthusiasm for their cause. However, their optimism quickly turns to fear as they realize they are being trapped by him. As the evening becomes increasingly uncomfortable and dangerous, their attempts to escape grow more desperate.
The film is predominantly set within the confines of Mr. Reed’s home, essentially making it a three-character play. Hugh Grant portrays Mr. Reed, delivering a notable performance that differs from his usual comedic roles. He effectively conveys a sinister presence through his dialogue and ideology that critiques all religions as fundamentally manmade constructs. Grant’s portrayal of a gentleman villain with a cool British accent commands much of the film, making his character almost likable despite his ominous intentions.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who play the young Mormon sisters, initially appear underwhelming and risk being overshadowed by Grant’s performance. However, as their characters’ situation becomes more dire, they convincingly portray the transformation from timid individuals to resilient survivors.
While “Heretic” exceeds expectations, it unfortunately succumbs to common horror genre clichés as the story progresses. By the final act, the film devolves into a typical slasher movie with increasingly bizarre scenarios. Despite starting impressively with intellectual discussions on religion and faith, the filmmakers eventually fall back on formulaic horror elements. The intriguing concept of an atheist heretic discovering his version of the truth is compelling, but the film fails to sustain this depth throughout its entirety.