Title – Heretic (2024) 

Directors – Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (65) 

Cast – Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace

Plot – Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East) enter the home of potential convert Mr. Reed (Grant), a move they quickly regret when Mr. Reed’s true intentions for the sisters becomes clear. 

“Question everything” 

Review by Eddie on 4/12/2024

An A24 psychological thriller/horror written and directed by the duo responsible for the Adam Driver oddity that was 65 and starring British rom-com icon Hugh Grant as a far from appealing religious nut was (taking a leap of faith) not on many film fans 2024 bingo cards but we can be thankful for the experience that is Heretic. 

The newest joint effort from duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Heretic may in some ways be seen as a new formulaic genre effort from the boardrooms of Hollywood but Beck and Woods ensure that for the most part this engrossing and unpredictable ride is one that offers up some of the years most enjoyable thrills and chills as Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East’s Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton regret taking up the offer of some blueberry pie on a home visit to recruit Grant’s mysterious Mr. Reed. 

Taking little time in thrusting us and the two sisters into a cat and mouse game that tackles everything from fast food, Star Wars and Monopoly, Heretic is a quick moving affair that never really pauses across its close to two hour running time, one that is brilliantly captured by famed Korean DOP Chung-hoon Chung and scored by rising composer Chris Bacon who work alongside the filmmakers and their core trio to deliver an above average experience that is sure to appease A24 acolytes and more general thrill seeking audience members in equal measure. 

One of the most undeniably joyous and appealing elements of Heretic is the fact we get to see Grant take on such an against type role as the unnerving and sinister seeming Mr. Reed with Grant gifting us with one of his most memorable turns in many a moons, showcasing a whole other side to the actor that took over Hollywood for a good portion of the late 90’s and early 2000’s and he elevates much of Heretic’s more softly spoken moments to a higher level ensuring that whenever he is on screen he is hard to turn away from. 

While it’s dominated by Grant’s scenery chewing turn that you’re never overly sure where it may lead, Yellowjackets Sophie Thatcher and The Fabelman’s Chloe East also produce some quality turns as the two devoted sisters. 

The film may never allow us deep access into the true motivations or backstories of any of these characters but all performers make their roles there own and while some of the films brilliant first half starts to fade in small doses in the films latter half that will divide viewers a little pending their expectations of where the narrative is taking them, there’s a lot to like about such a smartly made film that provides a range of reasons to be engaged, right through to the finale that is sure too create ample watercooler conversations. 

Final Say – 

A wild ride that gifts us one of Hugh Grants best individual moments and a chance for two rising-star actresses an opportunity to showcases their skillsets, Heretic is a fun and mostly gripping blend of psychological thrills and goosebump inducing chills, reminding us all that when it comes to horror, A24 is king. 

4 scented candles out of 5