Heretic Movie Review: A bold but flawed exploration of faith and fear
Heretic Movie Review: Critics Rating: 3.5 stars, click to give your rating/review,Heretic stands out despite its flaws in the modern horror landscape with a willingness to engage wit
Critic's Rating: 3.5/5
Story: Two young Mormon missionaries, Sisters Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Paxton (Chloe East), arrive at the home of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), a seemingly genial man with a taste for theological debates.
Review: , the latest offering from A24, is an inventive twist on religious horror, blending philosophical discourse with genre conventions. The creative minds behind A Quiet Place, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, return with , a religious horror film that dares to stray from convention. Anchored by sharp performances and a thought-provoking premise, combines psychological thrills with a pointed exploration of faith, doubt, and the power dynamics underlying belief systems. While its ambition is undeniable, the film doesn’t fully sustain its early momentum, resulting in an experience that’s compelling but ultimately uneven. What begins as a series of casual discussions about faith, morality, and pop culture escalates into a harrowing psychological battle.
Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed is a revelation. Known for his affable, self-effacing roles, Grant turns his persona on its head, delivering a performance that is equal parts charismatic and chilling. His Reed is a master manipulator, pulling the audience into his web of unsettling games as easily as he ensnares his unwitting guests. Reed’s charm, tinged with a subtle menace, soon gives way to outright danger, trapping the missionaries in a maze of both physical and intellectual challenges. Thatcher and East hold their own, portraying their characters with vulnerability and resilience, making them compelling protagonists. Their responses to Reed’s calculated provocations feel authentic, heightening the tension with each scene.
The first half of is where the film shines brightest. Beck and Woods masterfully build tension, using tight, dialogue-heavy scenes to create a sense of unease. The confined setting—a nondescript home with subtle but sinister details—enhances the claustrophobic atmosphere. The script dives into weighty discussions of theology and morality, posing questions about belief systems in a way that feels both relevant and provocative. The tone is balanced with moments of dark humour, keeping the audience off-guard and engaged. However, falters as it transitions into its second half. The cerebral tension that drives the first hour gives way to more familiar horror tropes, trading psychological depth for action-oriented scares.
While there are still moments of genuine terror, the shift feels jarring and detracts from the film’s earlier intellectual edge. The finale, though visceral and visually striking, doesn’t fully deliver on the promise of the setup, leaving some narrative threads unresolved. However, stands out despite its flaws in the modern horror landscape. Its willingness to engage with complex themes and take certain narrative risks sets it apart from more formulaic entries in the genre. While the execution isn’t perfect, the film’s boldness and strong performances make it a memorable watch.
Review: , the latest offering from A24, is an inventive twist on religious horror, blending philosophical discourse with genre conventions. The creative minds behind A Quiet Place, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, return with , a religious horror film that dares to stray from convention. Anchored by sharp performances and a thought-provoking premise, combines psychological thrills with a pointed exploration of faith, doubt, and the power dynamics underlying belief systems. While its ambition is undeniable, the film doesn’t fully sustain its early momentum, resulting in an experience that’s compelling but ultimately uneven. What begins as a series of casual discussions about faith, morality, and pop culture escalates into a harrowing psychological battle.
Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed is a revelation. Known for his affable, self-effacing roles, Grant turns his persona on its head, delivering a performance that is equal parts charismatic and chilling. His Reed is a master manipulator, pulling the audience into his web of unsettling games as easily as he ensnares his unwitting guests. Reed’s charm, tinged with a subtle menace, soon gives way to outright danger, trapping the missionaries in a maze of both physical and intellectual challenges. Thatcher and East hold their own, portraying their characters with vulnerability and resilience, making them compelling protagonists. Their responses to Reed’s calculated provocations feel authentic, heightening the tension with each scene.
The first half of is where the film shines brightest. Beck and Woods masterfully build tension, using tight, dialogue-heavy scenes to create a sense of unease. The confined setting—a nondescript home with subtle but sinister details—enhances the claustrophobic atmosphere. The script dives into weighty discussions of theology and morality, posing questions about belief systems in a way that feels both relevant and provocative. The tone is balanced with moments of dark humour, keeping the audience off-guard and engaged. However, falters as it transitions into its second half. The cerebral tension that drives the first hour gives way to more familiar horror tropes, trading psychological depth for action-oriented scares.
While there are still moments of genuine terror, the shift feels jarring and detracts from the film’s earlier intellectual edge. The finale, though visceral and visually striking, doesn’t fully deliver on the promise of the setup, leaving some narrative threads unresolved. However, stands out despite its flaws in the modern horror landscape. Its willingness to engage with complex themes and take certain narrative risks sets it apart from more formulaic entries in the genre. While the execution isn’t perfect, the film’s boldness and strong performances make it a memorable watch.
In-depth Analysis
Our overall critic’s rating is not an average of the sub scores below.
