Heretic

What happens when earnest young Mormon missionaries unknowingly knock on the door of a dangerous man? Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the minds behind the gripping A Quiet Place series, take us on this suspenseful scenario in Heretic. Here, two missionaries find themselves trapped in the diabolical Mr. Reed’s home, forced to play a deadly game if they ever hope to leave. Deeply knowledgeable about religion, Reed has studied its intricacies to find loopholes, creating traps that challenge the missionaries to confront their beliefs in ways they never anticipated.

The director duo expertly establishes suspense early on, casting a grayish tone over the city and the missionaries’ attire, and using sharp sound design to build atmosphere. The film skillfully incorporates subtle but unnerving sounds, like the insistent ticking of a clock, to heighten its intensity.The cinematography is also unsettling, creating moments of discomfort, such as framing stairs slightly off-center as the missionary ascends. However, some of the slow camera movements occasionally feel more indulgent than suspenseful, and there are moments where they test your patience.

The real suspense comes from the film’s sharp dialogue, with Grant’s intellectual debates on religion serving as a provocative centerpiece. A particularly memorable scene cleverly illustrates religious principles through a game of Monopoly, followed by a sharp rebuttal from one of the missionaries. These moments, along with several intriguing twists, showcase the film at its best. The script also brings humor, with witty references to The Book of Mormon, Star Wars‘ Jar Jar Binks, and Radiohead’s “Creep” adding levity to the tension.

Hugh Grant delivers perhaps the best performance of his career, blending his iconic ’90s charm with the suave persona from Guy Ritchie’s films and the comedic timing of Paddington 2, while tapping into unsettling aspects of his public image to create a truly chilling character. His unnerving smile and controlled tone make him an unforgettable villain. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East hold their own against Grant’s magnetic presence, shining in scenes that allow them to face off directly.

Unfortunately, the film loses some of its effectiveness as it shifts away from its contained setting, expanding into broader spaces in the final act. This shift brings in more conventional horror elements and an unfortunate deus ex machina moment. Though the plot twists remain interesting, the setup is ultimately more compelling than the actual answers provided. Despite these issues, Heretic remains a darkly captivating film that keeps audiences on edge with its inventive script and Hugh Grant’s outstanding performance, making it a standout entry in the chamber horror genre. For Mormons, Christians, and people of faith, Heretic serves as a compelling reminder to know your beliefs well, sometimes, someone outside of your faith might know them better than you do.

At a glance

3.5/5

Worth your time

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