Hugh Grant has made some incredible career choices of late, and his latest movie is no exception. The rom-com king might not seem like the obvious first choice for a murderous man who has trapped two young women in his house, but Hugh Grant is on mesmerising form in ‘Heretic’, from writer-director duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. A very effective thriller that keeps you guessing throughout, the film also features very impressive turns from both Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.
Two young women from the Mormon Church are out canvassing for followers. They’ve been on the trail all day and now that the weather has taken a strong turn for the worse, they find themselves at the last house on their list as darkness and rain begins to fall. Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) knock on the door of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), an affable and communicative man who has expressed a desire to learn more about their work and beliefs. He invites them in, but soon it becomes clear that he has his own agenda for welcoming them into his home.
‘Heretic’ is a nice throwback to thrillers/horrors that make you think and genuinely keeps you guessing throughout, ultimately crafting a very satisfying movie. The set-up is deceptively simple, and what follows is a very astutely observed duel between those with faith and those you seek to challenge it.
Hugh Grant is sensational in the role of Mr. Reed, and never loses his charm throughout – that is no mean feat given that this is probably the darkest role he’s ever played in his career. Yet he still manages to bring that unmistakable sparkle to the screen. This serves the film really well because it makes his acts and his endgame all the more horrific to explore in greater depth. Grant captivates from start to finish and delivers one of the best and most memorable movie villains we’ve had on the big screen for quite some time.
Hugh Grant is joined by a very impressive supporting double-act. Sophie Thatcher is wonderful as Sister Barnes, the one woman who definitely has challenges within her own faith, and who has lived a life that has given her a healthly dose of doubt. She delivers an exceptionally strong and powerful performance that is complimented beautifully by Chloe East’s equally impressive turn as Sister Paxton. She is the more innocent one of the group, but she blossoms into a strong and driven character when the film progresses and the narrative shifts gears.
One of the best things you can say about ‘Heretic’ is that it keeps the audience guessing and always maintains your focus and attention. It’s rare for a horror to do that these days. The film is shot very atmospherically, with the house a wonderful oddity of time that creeps the viewer out. The film has its fair share of horror too, and those scares are handled with a deft tough. The scene where Hugh Grant’s character breaks down the history of mainstream religion is one of the best scenes of any film I’ve seen this year.
‘Heretic’ is a perfectly diabolical and effective chiller that stays with you and poses some interesting questions along the way. A gripping and intense experience that keeps you guessing throughout, fuelled by a sensational leading turn from Hugh Grant, this is one of the best horrors of the year. Full of incredible performances that grip you like a vice, Heretic is an epic and claustrophobic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Cast: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace Director: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods Writer: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods Certificate: 15 Duration: 110 mins Released by: Entertainment in Film Release date: 1st November 2024
