This unsettling drama follows Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East), two young missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their latest assignment brings them to the doorstep of Mr. Reed (Grant), a charismatic but enigmatic man who initially expresses interest in learning about their faith. What begins as a cordial exchange soon descends into a gripping psychological battle, where polite conversation gives way to unsettling truths and creeping doubts. Reed’s unsettling knowledge and philosophical musings challenge the missionaries to the very core of their beliefs.Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in "Heretic"A24Beck and Woods—known for their innovative work on A Quiet Place—once again redefine horror by eschewing traditional scares. In Heretic, tension emerges not from gore or jump scares, but from intelligent dialogue and unsettling ideas. As Beck explained during the festival’s introduction:“After A Quiet Place, which relied on monsters and silence to generate fear, we wanted to explore the opposite—horror driven by conversation and intellectual confrontation. That’s where the concept for Heretic was born.”Chloe East, Hugh Grant and Sophie Thatcher in "Heretic"A24
A Film That Thrives on Subtle Horror and Uncertainty
Throughout Heretic, the true terror lies in the subtlety. Much of the film feels calm on the surface, but it’s the pervasive unease—the fear of what is unknown or unseen—that grips the audience. At times, nothing dramatic occurs on screen, yet the weight of possibility looms ominously. This minimalist approach is masterfully crafted, leaving viewers on edge without resorting to overt scares.The film’s themes also resonate deeply with current events. In a world divided by ideological differences—whether over religion, politics, or societal values—Heretic feels remarkably timely. It invites viewers from all backgrounds to confront the nature of belief and the discomfort of uncertainty, making it a must-see for audiences of every walk of life.Hugh Grant Shines in a Complex, Hypnotic Role
Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed is perhaps one of his most riveting to date. Unlike traditional antagonists, Reed never comes across as overtly malicious. Instead, his charm and intellect make his probing questions all the more unsettling, sowing doubt without ever belittling his guests.Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East at the U.S. Premiere of "Heretic" at AFI Fest at TCL ... [+]A24 via Getty ImagesGrant’s portrayal exemplifies nuance, blending charm with menace in a way that is both hypnotic and disconcerting. Reflecting on the role during his remarks at the AFI Fest, Grant cheekily referenced his public persona:“Hollywood Boulevard has always been lucky for me,” he quipped, nodding to his past playboy image.Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East also deliver powerful performances as the two missionaries struggling to navigate their encounter with Reed. Their characters’ faith and humanity are pushed to the brink, forcing them to wrestle with doubt while desperately trying to maintain their composure and conviction.A24 Strikes Gold Again
With Heretic, A24 continues its streak of producing thought-provoking, genre-bending films. The film avoids typical horror tropes, offering instead an intellectually stimulating experience that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll. Whether it’s an offhand comment about Monopoly or an unsettling detail about blueberries, the film’s haunting ideas stick with you—challenging preconceptions and leaving much to ponder.Set to release in theaters on November 8, Heretic promises to be more than just another horror film. Its blend of gripping performances, philosophical depth, and subtle dread makes it one of the standout films of the year—a refreshing cinematic experience in an era dominated by binge-worthy content.
A Film That Thrives on Subtle Horror and Uncertainty
Throughout Heretic, the true terror lies in the subtlety. Much of the film feels calm on the surface, but it’s the pervasive unease—the fear of what is unknown or unseen—that grips the audience. At times, nothing dramatic occurs on screen, yet the weight of possibility looms ominously. This minimalist approach is masterfully crafted, leaving viewers on edge without resorting to overt scares.The film’s themes also resonate deeply with current events. In a world divided by ideological differences—whether over religion, politics, or societal values—Heretic feels remarkably timely. It invites viewers from all backgrounds to confront the nature of belief and the discomfort of uncertainty, making it a must-see for audiences of every walk of life.Hugh Grant Shines in a Complex, Hypnotic Role
Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed is perhaps one of his most riveting to date. Unlike traditional antagonists, Reed never comes across as overtly malicious. Instead, his charm and intellect make his probing questions all the more unsettling, sowing doubt without ever belittling his guests.Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East at the U.S. Premiere of "Heretic" at AFI Fest at TCL ... [+]A24 via Getty ImagesGrant’s portrayal exemplifies nuance, blending charm with menace in a way that is both hypnotic and disconcerting. Reflecting on the role during his remarks at the AFI Fest, Grant cheekily referenced his public persona:“Hollywood Boulevard has always been lucky for me,” he quipped, nodding to his past playboy image.Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East also deliver powerful performances as the two missionaries struggling to navigate their encounter with Reed. Their characters’ faith and humanity are pushed to the brink, forcing them to wrestle with doubt while desperately trying to maintain their composure and conviction.A24 Strikes Gold Again
With Heretic, A24 continues its streak of producing thought-provoking, genre-bending films. The film avoids typical horror tropes, offering instead an intellectually stimulating experience that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll. Whether it’s an offhand comment about Monopoly or an unsettling detail about blueberries, the film’s haunting ideas stick with you—challenging preconceptions and leaving much to ponder.Set to release in theaters on November 8, Heretic promises to be more than just another horror film. Its blend of gripping performances, philosophical depth, and subtle dread makes it one of the standout films of the year—a refreshing cinematic experience in an era dominated by binge-worthy content.