In Heretic, directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods craft a psychological horror that lures you in with the promise of a theological debate, only to trap you in a sinister game of cat and mouse.
The film follows two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who, in their earnest quest to spread the gospel, knock on the door of Mr. Reed, portrayed by Hugh Grant. Grant sheds his rom-com persona to deliver a spine-chilling performance. His Mr. Reed is the kind of host who offers you tea while subtly questioning the foundations of your belief system—a devil with a devious smile.
The story unfolds primarily within the confines of Reed’s home, a setting that becomes increasingly claustrophobic as the true nature of his intentions is revealed. Cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung employs tight framing and shadowy corridors to amplify the tension, making the audience feel as trapped as the protagonists.
Thatcher and East bring a compelling mix of innocence and resilience to their characters, as their initial naivety evolves into a fierce struggle for survival. The dialogue, saturated with intensity, seamlessly shifts between thought-provoking philosophy and chilling psychological games.
While the film’s first half does an incredible job at building suspense through conversation, the latter portion leans into more conventional horror tropes. Some viewers may say that this shift results in a climax that feels somewhat muddled and chaotic.
Nevertheless, Heretic stands out in the horror genre for its willingness to engage with complex themes of faith and autonomy, all while delivering a narrative that is both thought-provoking and unsettling. It’s a film that invites you in with the promise of a warm blueberry pie, only to leave you questioning whether you should have taken that first bite.
RHFC Rating: 9/10 🍿
