Heretic Review: A Slice of Cinematic Excellence

With exceptional performances and an intelligent, distinctive script, Heretic solidifies itself as one of the best horror films this year.

No matter what a viewer’s stance on religion may be, Heretic is an incredibly thought-provoking film. It explores multiple viewpoints without taking a side, poses many questions, and by the film’s end, it might even lead you to reconsider your own beliefs.

Heretic opens with two Mormon missionaries – Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher, of The Boogeyman) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East, of The Fabelmans) – having a conversation about condoms, of all things. Though unexpected, it elicited numerous laughs from the audience and immediately showcases the feature’s surprising sense of humor throughout its runtime.

As the girls walk through town, they approach a few passersby in the street to share their religious message without much luck. On their list of potential recruits is a gentleman named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant, of Wonka). He previously expressed interest in Mormonism and is their last stop of the day. After knocking on the stranger’s door to discuss the religion further, they are greeted by a charismatic Reed who invites them inside, though the pair can only enter the house if a woman is present. The delightful man standing before them shows his understanding, proclaiming that his wife is inside, which makes the two missionaries feel comfortable enough to enter the home. Once inside, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton realize that not everything is how it appears, as their beliefs are scrutinized, and they are pushed to their limits in a sinister, wicked game helmed by the deceitful Mr. Reed.

In terms of religion, Heretic never feels preachy or as if it’s picking a side. Though Mr. Reed makes his anti-religious views very clear, each time he challenges Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton’s beliefs, the pair put forth opposing arguments and attempt to debunk his theories. The girls’ differing perspectives not only keep things tense and interesting but also bring balance to the story, which is what makes Heretic function superbly. As someone who isn’t religious, I even found myself relating to the varying viewpoints of both girls at different instances throughout the film.

Though the first 40 minutes or so of Heretic operate as a dialogue-driven thriller, at no point is the film dull or weakened by its one location setting. Almost the entirety of the feature takes place inside Mr. Reed’s home, with Beck and Woods’ impeccable direction and Chung-hoon Chung’s exquisite cinematography creating a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere inside the confines of an unpredictable man’s residence.

The remarkable set design also elevates the material, adding to the film’s eeriness with dingy-lit rooms that reflect a dark ambience. You never know where the narrative will take you next, and the fast-paced back-and-forth dynamic interactions between Mr. Reed, Sister Barnes, and Sister Paxton sustain the audience’s engagement. The first act also lays a solid foundation, portraying the personalities of each character, all of whom are intriguing and distinct in their own way. Heretic features a remarkable setup that never falters pacing-wise before seamlessly transitioning into its horror elements.

Once Heretic enters its second act, there are a couple of shocking moments that will certainly surprise you, one of which you won’t see coming. In fact, at my screening, I heard gasps travel throughout the audience. I don’t think anyone could have predicted the turn of events that takes place, which is what I admire so much about this film as an avid horror fan. Religious horror can be exceedingly predictable and formulaic, but Heretic defies such odds every step of the way.

None of this greatness could have been achieved without solid performances from each of the cast members, all of whom are exceptional. Thatcher continues to thrive as a standout actress in the horror genre, and I absolutely adore her portrayal of Sister Barnes. Of the missionaries, she appears the more headstrong of the two, standing by her beliefs and refusing to give into manipulation and opposition, even in moments when voicing her opinion could lead to great danger. On the other hand, Sister Paxton appears to be less experienced, naïve, and more of a people-pleaser, played by East with such heartfelt emotion and delicacy.

Grant needs no introduction, and it’s no surprise that his performance is outstanding. It really is a shame that horror doesn’t get much recognition at the Oscars because I truly believe that he gives one of the best performances in a film this year, and he should absolutely be part of the conversation. His ability to balance charm alongside Mr. Reed’s sinister nature proves why he is such a fantastic actor. Mr. Reed is the scariest type of horror antagonist because his magnetically alluring presence makes him appear harmless and trustworthy, only for him to become a terrifying, chilling presence in an instance.

For all Heretic’s darkness, I was taken aback by how the narrative ends and the film’s closing shot, which is executed beautifully. Though some may find the conclusion ambiguous or underwhelming, the more I pondered the meaning of the final moments, the more it solidified my interpretation of various events throughout the feature and their meaning. After Heretic’s vision became clearer to me in the hours following my screening, what began as a mixed-out of the theater reaction shifted into me considering Heretic as one of the best horror movies released this year.

Heretic isn’t a film that exists to tell you what you should or shouldn’t believe. Instead, it’s an exceptionally crafted film with phenomenal performances and flawless writing, which signifies the power of committing to and staying true to one’s beliefs (within reason) even in the face of opposition.

Heretic will be released in cinemas in the UK & Ireland on November 1, 2024 and in US theaters on November 8.