I’d seen the trailer for Heretic so many times during my trip to Cineworld that I did have thoughts that I’d probably seen all the best parts of the new film starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, but I was very surprised and pulled into the movie from the start.
Heretic is a haunting, atmospheric thriller that pulls viewers into a world of faith, fear, and the fine line between devotion and obsession. The film is directed with masterful tension by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The film follows two young missionaries played by Thatcher and East who must prove their faith after knocking on the wrong door, where the diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) meets them and they become trapped in his deadly cat-and-mouse game.
Credit: Kimberley French
The film starts with Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barns (Sophie Thatcher) attempting to bring more people into the fold, but we the viewers know that something isn’t going to go to plan. The introduction to Grant’s character certainly sets you off ease, he’s a happy chap and wants to listen to what the sisters have to say.
As the sisters sit down and explain things to Mr. Reed we are taken into a superbly written piece as Reed questions the sisters’ faith, this moment in the film certainly had me thinking as well and I’m sure those who are fairly religious in some way or another will be listening closely.
Credit: Kimberley French
All seems OK until the sisters want to leave, but Reed makes an excuse that the door is on a deadbolt timer and they can’t leave the way they came in. Instead, he takes them to the back of the house with the option of two doors to the exit in the back of the house. Again we are given a superb moment as he explains religion in such a brilliant way using board games that I was sucked into the whole moment and sat there thinking, “WOW”.
Heretic takes us deeply into themes of faith, redemption, and the complex nature of belief. But the creepiness of this film takes a step up with the introduction of the Prophet, suffice to say there are plenty of twists and moments that will have you not only enjoying Grant’s superb performance but also questioning what you think you know.
Credit: Kimberley French
The cinematography and sound in Heretic are superb, the atmosphere by the two combined won’t have you jumping out of your seat with horror, instead, it will give you chills down your spine. This is a film that works for all its moments from start to finish. Hugh Grant is certainly on par with his performance and for me, it’s one of the best roles that I’ve seen him in a long time. Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher shine through the darkness of the storyline and they bring so much to their performances as their characters are taken from a cheerful day to a moment of hell!