As a film enthusiast with a penchant for dark comedies and horror films that delve into the depths of human psyche, I must say that Heretic has left me utterly spellbound. Hugh Grant, an actor I’ve admired for his versatility over the years, has outdone himself in this chilling role. His transformation from charming lead to menacing antagonist is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s a delight to see him push the boundaries of his acting prowess.
In terms of a religious drama, “Heretic” leans more towards dark humor initially and then escalates to pure terror. However, what truly sets this movie apart is the performance of Hugh Grant, showcasing his most unsavory character yet.
For about ten years now, Hugh Grant has been subtly and thoughtfully transforming his on-screen persona, moving from a lovable leading man to a sinister yet endearing antagonist.
Through his role as a rogue and charmer, Grant became famous; however, the characters he portrayed, despite their arrogant demeanors, concealed kind souls that captured the affection of film audiences globally.
Lately, there’s been a shift in Michael Gambon’s acting roles, particularly evident in Paddington 2 and Dungeons & Dragons, where his upper-class characters have transformed into malevolent adversaries. This change culminates in the horror film “Heretic,” which uses his charm for sinister purposes in a chilling manner.
What is Heretic about?
The story begins by introducing us to two young Mormon women – Sister Barnes (played by Sophie Thatcher) and Sister East (portrayed by Chloe Paxton) – who are deep in conversation on a park bench, pondering the enigmas of contraceptives. This implies they’re eager to explore and understand their surroundings better.
However, their obligations require them to proceed, as Barnes and East are embarking on a task, aimed at instructing those curious about the Church of Latter Day Saints.
They move from house to house, trying to avoid the critical glances and harassment from others. However, the sisters find very few opportunities until they reach the home of Mr. Reed, who appears genuinely pleased to welcome them.
I graciously usher the enchanting duo inside, alleviating their apprehensions as I assure the captivating sisters that my beloved is busy baking a pie out back in the kitchen. Unbeknownst to them, they step into a world of terror that lies just beyond that threshold.
Finding horror in religion
Contrary to their most successful work, A Quiet Place, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ current project, Heretic, presents a chilling contrast. Instead of fear derived from silence, this time the dread originates from spoken words.
Reed initially comes across as both boisterous and courteous, providing beverages and light fare while showing interest in their daily activities. However, the conversation eventually shifts towards topics such as faith, dogma, discourse, and the impact of religion on contemporary society.
Initially, the girls match Reed’s responses, but things soon become unsettling as Reed poses queries intended to cause confusion. The discussion then veers off into strange and increasingly awkward territories, particularly when the topic of polygamy arises.
Initially, the sisters ponder over which one is influencing the other, and they eventually opt to depart. However, their host continues unabated, leading to an intense power struggle where the consequences couldn’t be more significant.
Hugh Grant on scene-stealing form
In this scenario, although it’s ingeniously arranged, it could fall flat if Reed wasn’t convincingly cast. Thankfully, Hugh Grant delivers flawlessly, making it plausible as to why the girls would visit his home despite an underlying unease due to something appearing amiss.
As a gamer, I can relate when they decide to stick around, despite ominous comments like, “the walls and roofs here are reinforced with metal.
He’s initially warm and frequently funny, most notably when discussing iterations in music, or having a pop at the Star Wars franchise. But it’s clear there’s a master manipulator at work.
Once he switches directions, it’s quite thrilling. Granted, Slip easily transitions into his malevolent character, yet Thatcher and Paxton show no signs of yielding, and may be braver and more resourceful than anticipated. This leads to an epic climax filled with dramatic flair.
Is Heretic good?
Although the ending is strong, it doesn’t quite match the impact of the initial stages, which feel like a strategic game of chess pitting virtuous characters against cunning adversaries.
These discussions left me agreeing with almost everything Reed said, which puts the audience in an awkward spot given what follows afterward.
Beck and Woods skillfully traverse intricate religious landscapes, offering perspectives from both sides of the debates they address, ultimately allowing their audience to form their own opinions.
However, Hugh Grant’s remarkable acting is largely responsible for the film’s success, as he skillfully portrays Mr. Reed as both endearing, unsettling, and fear-inducing, often within only a few brief lines.
Heretic score: 4/5
The film “Heretic” is an engaging horror production that delves into themes of faith and conviction, with Hugh Grant delivering his most captivating acting yet.
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2024-10-03 18:18