I never thought of Hugh Grant as menacing, but Heretic, premiering at TIFF 2024, offers a glimpse of just how terrifying the typically comedic actor can be. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods—the talented duo behind A Quiet Place—the film is dark, intriguing, and impossible to look away from. This psychological thriller showcases a delightfully sinister turn from Hugh Grant as the enigmatic and unsettling Mr. Reed, making it one of my favourite films of this year’s festival.
The story of Heretic follows two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), as they attempt to convert the charming yet eccentric Mr. Reed. With his wife supposedly in the kitchen making pie and a storm brewing outside, the two women reluctantly enter his home to discuss the good word. However, as they sit down to chat, they quickly realize they’ve walked into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with their faith—and their lives—hanging in the balance.
I won’t bury the lead here—Heretic works so well largely due to the incredible acting talent that brings these characters to life. Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed is nothing short of mesmerizing, imbuing the dark and twisted character with undeniable charm. Known for his romantic comedy roles, Grant effortlessly walks a razor’s edge between his affable persona and the cunning, menacing villain lurking just beneath the surface.
Grant’s portrayal of a man obsessed with challenging the missionaries’ beliefs is both chilling and darkly humorous, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. I never thought I’d see a discussion about Monopoly delivered with such panache, making both the audience and the missionaries question everything they hold true.
“Heretic works so well largely due to the incredible acting talent that brings these characters to life.”
In a film that thrives on the tension between its leads and Mr. Reed, it’s crucial that the full cast can play off each other, and Heretic excels in this regard. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East hold their own against Grant’s powerhouse performance. As Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, they bring depth and nuance to their characters, making their predicament all the more engaging. The chemistry between the three leads is electric, elevating the already tight script. As the film progresses, the tension and horror are delivered in equal measure, creating a movie that never lets go once it sinks its claws into you.
Heretic succeeds by ensuring all its elements work in tandem, creating a film that feels devoid of excess, where every scene is meaningful and engaging. Beck and Woods demonstrate their skill in crafting suspense and dread through a slow, steady ramping of tension, resulting in a pressure cooker of stress that feels almost suffocating. The film’s claustrophobic setting—primarily within Mr. Reed’s eerie home—adds to the mounting tension. Chung Chung-hoon’s cinematography and Chris Bacon’s unsettling score work seamlessly to create an atmosphere that is both alluring and deeply unnerving.
That’s not to say Heretic is difficult to watch or lacks humour to break the tension. The directors expertly balance moments of dark humour with genuine terror, keeping the audience off-balance and fully immersed in the story. As Mr. Reed’s true intentions are slowly revealed, the film takes several unexpected turns, leaving viewers questioning their own beliefs. Yet, through it all, Hugh Grant never loses his iconic charm, keeping the film engaging even as it nears its horrific conclusion.
At its core, Heretic explores faith, conviction, and the power of manipulation. While some of the religious and societal observations may not be as profound as the film suggests, the performances and tightly crafted script keep the audience engaged throughout. The film’s climax, though not entirely unpredictable, is satisfying and leaves room for interpretation.
As Heretic hits theatres on November 15, 2024, audiences can expect to be captivated by this sinister tale of clashing convictions. Beck and Woods have once again proven their mastery of the horror genre, delivering a film that will linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Even if horror and thrillers aren’t your usual genre, Heretic is one of those films everyone should see, with Grant’s portrayal of the sinister Mr. Reed elevating a standard thriller into something remarkable.
Check out more of CGMagazine’s TIFF 2024 coverage here throughout the festival.