Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I review the new A24 Horror Thriller Heretic starring Hugh Grant. The movie started off incredibly well but falls back on old horror tropes at the end.
SYNOPSIS & FILM DETAILS
Heretic (2024), an A24 horror film written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is an intense and thought-provoking exploration of faith, belief, and manipulation. The story follows two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who knock on the door of a reclusive man named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). Initially met with polite conversation, they quickly find themselves trapped in a psychological and physical game as Mr. Reed challenges their faith through disturbing trials.
The film combines dark humor, intellectual debates about religion, and suspenseful twists. Mr. Reed’s character is a cunning and chilling antagonist, using his deep knowledge of theology and his own nihilistic beliefs to manipulate the missionaries. The movie’s climax involves unexpected violence and ambiguous elements that leave viewers questioning what is real and symbolic.
Heretic also delves into broader themes of personal conviction, doubt, and the nature of salvation. Its mix of sharp dialogue and sinister atmosphere has drawn comparisons to films by Jordan Peele and Quentin Tarantino. Hugh Grant’s chilling performance and the intricate script make it a standout in contemporary horror cinema, though its final act has been critiqued for pushing believability   .
My Letterboxd 2024 Movie List: letterboxd.com/kensparks/list/2024
I review the new A24 Horror Thriller Heretic starring Hugh Grant. The movie started off incredibly well but falls back on old horror tropes at the end.
SYNOPSIS & FILM DETAILS
Heretic (2024), an A24 horror film written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is an intense and thought-provoking exploration of faith, belief, and manipulation. The story follows two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who knock on the door of a reclusive man named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). Initially met with polite conversation, they quickly find themselves trapped in a psychological and physical game as Mr. Reed challenges their faith through disturbing trials.
The film combines dark humor, intellectual debates about religion, and suspenseful twists. Mr. Reed’s character is a cunning and chilling antagonist, using his deep knowledge of theology and his own nihilistic beliefs to manipulate the missionaries. The movie’s climax involves unexpected violence and ambiguous elements that leave viewers questioning what is real and symbolic.
Heretic also delves into broader themes of personal conviction, doubt, and the nature of salvation. Its mix of sharp dialogue and sinister atmosphere has drawn comparisons to films by Jordan Peele and Quentin Tarantino. Hugh Grant’s chilling performance and the intricate script make it a standout in contemporary horror cinema, though its final act has been critiqued for pushing believability   .
My Letterboxd 2024 Movie List: letterboxd.com/kensparks/list/2024
