Directors: Scott Beck & Bryan Woods
Actors: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Elle McKinnon
Genre: Thriller / Horror
Rating: MA
‘Heretic’ is a good psychological horror film, helped
immensely by Hugh Grant’s clear relish to be playing against type. The premise
is simple – Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Thatcher) & Sister Paxton
(East) get trapped in Mr Reed (Grant)’s house and try to escape. There’s plenty
of details as to the how/why, but not going to give any spoilers!
The pacing is really good, with it being a slow-burn at the
start, and lots of dialogue, giving us plenty of time to know Barnes and Paxton,
and the initial meeting/discussion with Mr Reed as they spruik the virtues of
the Book of Mormon. Things don’t necessarily ratchet up quickly, but progress realistically
and the film feels quicker than it’s 1 hour 45min. There’s some useful cameos
from Topher Grace and Elle Young, but otherwise it’s all about the 3 main
characters interacting.
While not being disrespectful to one religion more than
others, I think the film treads a fine line between being a rant on the pros or
cons of religions and deals well with some of the stereotypes. While Reed may
end up being a lunatic, he certainly raises some valid points! The horror is
not too violent in general, with some shocking moments, and a suitable and
semi-ambiguous ending. Grant is superb and you can’t take your eyes of him, truly
captivating.
Overall: 2024’s been a good year for horror – this is up
there with ‘Speak No Evil’ and ‘Late Night With The Devil’!
Gav's Rating: 4 stars
