A24 continues its tradition of delivering cerebral, unsettling horror films with Heretic, a psychological thriller that explores the dark intersections of faith, manipulation, and existential dread. Directed and written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place), the film offers a unique blend of slow-burn tension, philosophical inquiry, and visceral terror. Anchored by a career-defining performance from Hugh Grant and supported by stellar turns from Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, Heretic is a thought-provoking yet flawed exploration of belief systems and human vulnerability.
While the film succeeds in creating an oppressive atmosphere and delivering moments of genuine horror, it falters slightly in its pacing and resolution. Nevertheless, it remains an ambitious effort that will leave audiences debating its themes long after the credits roll.
Plot Overview
Set in a sleepy suburban neighborhood, Heretic begins with two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), going door-to-door to share their faith. Their routine mission takes a sinister turn when they encounter Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), an enigmatic recluse who invites them into his home under the guise of curiosity about their beliefs.
What starts as an ordinary conversation about religion quickly spirals into a disturbing psychological game. Reed’s charming demeanor masks his manipulative intentions as he draws the missionaries deeper into his twisted world. The centerpiece of his madness is a decrepit woman he claims to be a prophet, whom he subjects to bizarre rituals—including poisoning her with pie and staging her resurrection in front of the horrified missionaries.
As Barnes and Paxton struggle to escape Reed’s grasp, they are forced to confront their own doubts about faith, morality, and survival. The film builds to a shocking climax that blurs the line between reality and delusion, leaving viewers grappling with its implications long after the credits roll.
Performances
Hugh Grant delivers an electrifying performance as Mr. Reed, showcasing a sinister side rarely seen in his previous work. His portrayal is equal parts charming and chilling—a masterclass in controlled menace that keeps the audience guessing about his true motivations. Grant imbues Reed with layers of complexity, making him one of the most memorable antagonists in recent horror cinema.
Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) shines as Sister Barnes, bringing emotional depth and vulnerability to her role as a young woman grappling with her faith under extreme duress. Her performance is both raw and relatable, capturing the internal conflict between steadfast belief and mounting fear. Chloe East (Generation) complements Thatcher’s intensity with her portrayal of Sister Paxton—a more skeptical and pragmatic character whose dynamic with Barnes adds emotional weight to the story. Together, Thatcher and East create a compelling duo whose bond is tested in unimaginable ways throughout the film.
Direction and Cinematography
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods demonstrate their knack for crafting tension-filled narratives with Heretic. Much like their work on A Quiet Place, they excel at building suspense through atmosphere rather than relying on cheap jump scares. The decision to shoot the film in chronological order adds authenticity to the performances, allowing the actors to fully immerse themselves in their characters’ emotional arcs.
Cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon (It, Oldboy) elevates the film’s visual storytelling with his masterful use of lighting and composition. The claustrophobic interiors of Reed’s home are bathed in shadows that seem to close in on the characters, heightening their sense of isolation and helplessness. Wide shots juxtapose the oppressive atmosphere inside with the serene suburban setting outside—a stark reminder of how horror can lurk beneath mundane surfaces.
Chris Bacon’s haunting score further amplifies the film’s psychological intensity, blending eerie melodies with dissonant tones that linger long after each scene ends.
Themes: Faith, Control, and Existential Dread
At its core, Heretic is an exploration of faith—not just religious belief but also faith in oneself and others. The film raises provocative questions about how far people will go to maintain their convictions when faced with overwhelming doubt or fear. Through Mr. Reed’s manipulations, it examines the power dynamics inherent in belief systems: who holds authority over truth? Who decides what is sacred or profane?
The missionaries’ ordeal also serves as a metaphor for existential dread—the fear that life may lack inherent meaning or purpose. As Reed dismantles their worldview piece by piece, Barnes and Paxton must grapple with whether their faith can withstand such scrutiny or whether it was built on fragile foundations all along.
While these themes are compellingly explored in the first half of the film, they become somewhat muddled as the narrative leans into more conventional horror tropes during its climax.
Strengths
- Performances: Hugh Grant delivers one of his finest performances to date, while Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East bring emotional depth to their roles.
- Atmosphere: A24’s signature blend of psychological horror and arthouse aesthetics is evident throughout.
- Themes: The film tackles religion, manipulation, and existentialism with rare boldness.
- Technical Excellence: Strong cinematography by Chung Chung-hoon enhances the claustrophobic tension.
Weaknesses
- Pacing: The second half loses some of the momentum built in the first.
- Plot Contrivances: Certain twists feel forced or underexplored.
- Ending: While thought-provoking, it may leave some viewers unsatisfied due to its ambiguity.
Final Thoughts
Heretic is an ambitious entry into modern psychological horror that succeeds more often than it falters. Its combination of stellar performances—particularly from Hugh Grant—and atmospheric storytelling make it a standout addition to A24’s growing catalog of thought-provoking genre films. While its uneven pacing and convoluted finale prevent it from achieving greatness, it remains a compelling exploration of faith, fear, and manipulation.
For fans of cerebral horror that prioritizes tension over gore—and for those who enjoy films that leave them pondering existential questions—Heretic is well worth watching.
Rating: 5/5
Profile:
You can watch on: