Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in 'Heretic' (2024) A24
Hugh Grant Shines as a Sinister Villain in the Dark Thriller Heretic
Hugh Grant takes a bold step away from his usual charming roles in Heretic, embracing a dark and twisted character that leaves a lasting impression. Known for his endearing performances in romantic comedies, Grant showcases his versatility as he embodies the unsettling Mr. Reed, a role that has earned him a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination.
Heretic is now available on premium video-on-demand platforms such as Amazon Prime and Apple TV, making it accessible for viewers who may have missed its theatrical release earlier this year. The film, a psychological thriller with a gripping storyline, offers a fresh perspective on the genre while delivering a standout performance from Grant.
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What Is Heretic About?
The story follows two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), as they attempt to share their faith in a community that shows little interest. When they encounter the reclusive Mr. Reed, they are initially pleased by his curiosity about their message. However, their visit quickly turns sinister as Reed traps them in his home, forcing them into a psychological and theological battle for survival. The intense narrative keeps viewers on edge as the characters confront their beliefs and their fears.
A Thought-Provoking and Haunting Thriller
Hugh Grant's portrayal of Mr. Reed is a revelation. His performance captures the character’s eerie charisma and malevolence, stealing every scene he appears in. The film’s opening act, which features thought-provoking debates on theology between Mr. Reed and the missionaries, is particularly compelling. These dialogues delve into faith and doubt, creating a rich narrative foundation before the thriller shifts into high gear with suspenseful twists and dramatic stakes.
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The movie balances its cerebral elements with moments of visceral tension. As the story unfolds, the two missionaries face a chilling dilemma, forced to choose between two doors that test their faith and courage. While the film’s latter half leans into more conventional thriller tropes, it maintains an intense and engaging pace that keeps viewers hooked.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reactions
Critics have praised Heretic for its intelligent writing and Grant’s against-type performance. The film holds a strong 91% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, though its audience score of 77% reflects some mixed reactions, particularly among viewers who were less receptive to its religious themes.
Kyle Smith of The Wall Street Journal called it “an expertly engineered work of suspense,” while Empire Magazine highlighted it as “a tightly contained bottle horror, showcasing a genuinely chilling turn from Hugh Grant.” Not all reviews were glowing, with some critics finding the film’s pacing uneven, but its overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
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Why You Should Watch Heretic
Heretic is a rare thriller that combines thought-provoking storytelling with genuine chills. Alongside Grant’s standout performance, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East deliver strong portrayals that add depth to the film. The interplay between the three leads, especially during the tense theological debates, elevates the narrative beyond standard genre fare.
Whether you’re drawn to the chilling suspense or intrigued by its exploration of faith, Heretic is a film worth watching. It’s available to stream on premium platforms now, but for those willing to wait, the movie is expected to hit Max in early 2025.
(Image credit: Album / Alamy Stock Photo / A24)
If dark thrillers aren’t your style, you might prefer lighter fare for the holiday season. But for anyone seeking a gripping, well-crafted story with a powerful lead performance, Heretic is an excellent choice.
