Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in Heretic, as well as more modern women killing horror game
Narrative
Two young religious women become embroiled in a game of cat and mouse in an unknown man’s house. The music at the end of the credits is a version of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”; set to the tune of “Fade into You” by Mazzy Star. A nod to the fact that Radiohead’s “Creep” is a reprise (because of the melody) of The Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe,” which Grant had mentioned earlier in the film.
Featured in Movie Reviews: Heretic | Best Christmas Pick Ever (2024)
The end credits note that Generative Al was not used in the making of the film. I’m not sure what I expected from Heretic, but it certainly wasn’t deep theological discourse or intense religious diatribe from Hugh Grant. Not that I have a problem with that: When Grant’s character, Mr.
Reed with the hope of converting him to his faith
Reed, questions the teachings of organized religion, the film is actually very interesting and often funny, the actor delivers an incredibly offbeat performance, Reed often makes a lot of sense. Of course, this is a horror film, and while much of what Grant’s character says seems logical, the extremes he ends up going to are anything but reasonable. Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher play Mormon missionaries who visit Mr.
However, Reed has a sinister plan
What follows is an intense game of cat and mouse, with the missionaries desperately trying to reason with their host while trying to find a way to escape his home. The film’s strongest scenes are those in the first half of the film, where Reed anxiously asks the girls questions. Disproving beliefs while presenting acceptable alternatives, Grant is both kind and subtly menacing.
Most of the first hour is just a conversation between Reed and the missionary, and yet it is extremely disturbing, hinting at the man’s folly without overdoing it
The second half of the film is a little less effective, visceral horror replacing verbal terror, but is still entertaining and the end of the film leaves the viewer with plenty to think about.7/10.
