Nov 92 min read

FILM REVIEW: HERETIC (15) ESP RATING: 4/5

Grant’s sinister turn in Heretic redefines the face of horror!

Since seeing Hugh Grant play a cunning villain in The Gentlemen, I’ve often wondered how he would perform as the antagonist in a horror film.

I finally got my answer here – and it did not disappoint!

The story follows young Mormon missionaries Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) as they carry out their daily mission of knocking on doors and spreading their faith. Though committed to their religious calling, both characters exhibit a modern, down-to-earth sensibility that makes them feel refreshingly relatable. The film opens with the duo candidly discussing contemporary topics like pornography and safe sex, underscoring that they’re not naive to the world outside their beliefs. Both understand that their message won’t always be met with open arms.

East (The Fabelmans) brings a youthful naivety to Paxton, making her the more impressionable of the pair. Meanwhile, Thatcher’s Barnes embodies seasoned resilience and cautious sharpness – qualities she has become known for in horror, thanks to her roles in The Boogeyman and Yellowjackets.

Their differences add real depth to the story.

The standout performance, however, comes from Hugh Grant, making an electrifying and unsettling horror debut as Mr. Reed – just as I expected! Grant’s portrayal begins with his signature charm – he plays a seemingly hospitable man who invites the missionaries inside to escape an oncoming storm, offering blueberry pie and mentioning his wife’s presence to put them at ease. But this warm, welcoming façade starts to crumble as Mr. Reed’s questions become pointed, transforming an innocent conversation about faith into a chilling philosophical duel. The tension escalates as the missionaries realise that Reed is not who he appears to be, and their visit spirals into a desperate fight for survival against his true, menacing nature.

Heretic comes from A24, a studio celebrated for its polarising and innovative horror. True to its pedigree, this film leans heavily into psychological themes, featuring extended scenes of dialogue and ideological sparring. Viewers looking for non-stop scares and fast-paced action may find the pacing slow, but this is where the film’s true strength lies. The methodical burn builds an almost unbearable tension, and the suspense of waiting for the true horror to surface lingers long after the credits roll.

I found the deliberate pacing to be a highlight. The most haunting films often succeed by leaving much unseen, and Heretic masterfully taps into that fear. The uncertainty of when the first real moment of terror would come – as it simmers with apprehension before it boils over – kept me on edge throughout.

So, for fans of thought-provoking horror – coupled with Grant’s magnetic turn – Heretic is undoubtedly a genre must-watch.

ESP Rating: 4/5

Mike Clarke