Review – Heretic (2024)

The definition of the word ‘heretic’ is as follows; to go against, to reject, to rebel against the standard order. Just as the description entails, directing duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ new horror, ‘Heretic’, rebels against every expectation in favour of being a contemplative, at times challenging and overtly chilling tale of frightful depths. The film’s tagline is “question everything”, and of that you will…

The plot follows Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), two missionaries for the Mormon church who happen upon the house of the reclusive, Mr.Reed (Hugh Grant). 

Without delay, Heretic makes its intentions clear. Whilst the film indeed drip feeds its terror bit by bit, Heretic does not hesitate in establishing a sense of intense unease from the outset, with all of its meticulous themes and fervently displayed aesthetics being immediately established. The combination of stunning, yet simple visuals and a deliberately monotonous and muted tone promptly sets the scene and introduces the running motifs throughout the film. In other words, just as the film visually affirms, the metaphorical exploration of dark labyrinths and weighty topics are hidden in the most unexpected of places. This aspect of layering the symbolism speaks to the philosophical-like structure of Heretic, which is further implemented by the heavy verbose-ridden script. 

Keeping spoilers at bay, the aforementioned themes generally focus on religion and all of its connotations, which are cinematically interpreted by the seemingly unending monologues and conversations delivered by Thatcher, East and Grant. On the subject of the cast, both Thatcher and East fulfil their roles with such dynamic enchantment, hitting every mark and genuinely elevating the film to be the success that it is.

Whilst the on-screen missionaries excel in every sense of the word, the film would not be complete without the talents of Grant, who executes the elaborate role of Mr.Reed with an air of true dedication to the craft. Many will know and love Grant for his bumbling performances of a typical Brit in love (Four Weddings and a Funeral [1994] and Notting Hill [1999]), meaning that his portrayal of a creepy, dread-bearing man will definitely take viewers out of their comfort zone when they realise the true extent of his surprisingly varied artistry. 

Heretic’s harrowing and poignant concepts that are laid bare throughout the film manage to avoid becoming redundant and too-wordy all at the hands of the exciting and at times literal twists and turns. Beck and Woods’ haunting take on nuanced topics does not become tiring as the film progresses; instead, the commentary becomes probing and thought provoking. As it stands, Heretic, is akin to that of a unique combination of both a complex conversational piece and an adventurous, heart-pounding horror that stands tall as one of 2024’s more interesting horror releases.

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