Why ‘Heretic’ is one of the year’s best films

The new A24 movie Heretical premiered last Thursday during the 38th Annual AFI Fest in Hollywood, California at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. Writers/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were in attendance, as well as longtime Hollywood star Hugh Grant along with his young co-stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.

Heretical follows the story of Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East), young women with a well-intentioned and passionate mission to convert people to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Better known to some as Mormon missionaries, the two ladies face their greatest challenge when they arrive at Mr. Reed (Grant), a seemingly normal, playful and simple man who has previously expressed an interest in hearing more about the church.

What starts as a cordial and pleasant discussion quickly turns into a wildly intricate game of confusion and fear as Mr. Reed shares a wealth of history and knowledge that conflicts with the young women’s proud beliefs. As the visit continues, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are faced with having to question their faith or maintain their faith, despite Mr. Reed’s impressive attempt to create skepticism.

Beck and Woods, who also wrote the 2018 hit film A quiet placeare masters of effectively and thoughtfully turning what the horror genre can be in modern cinema. Heretical for a large majority of the film could almost be rated PG to PG-13, as moviegoers are not bombarded with images of death, violence and torture. What makes this movie so creepy is the brilliant and articulate way in which Mr. Reed presents real-world facts to these women that many of us have never heard of or thought about before. Let’s just say you’ll never look at the board game Monopoly and Blueberries the same way again after watching this movie.

Beck said at the AFI Fest podium before the screening Heretical to a full audience, “A few years ago, after we wrote A quiet placewhich was a film that created suspense through cinematic techniques, we wondered Could we actually do the opposite? where the horror isn’t necessarily generated through monsters or jump scares, but rather through ideas and discussion – and so that was really the birthplace of this idea of Heretical.”

There are many fascinating aspects of Heretical as a unique horror film, but the fear of the unknown throughout this story on the screen is often the most frightening for the audience, when nothing happens at all, but simply knowing that it is what you do not know or see (at least not yet ) , which makes it all the more terrifying.

In a time in our world where wars take place over conflicting beliefs and ways of life that have been guided by stories from thousands of years ago, as well as living in a divisive political climate in places like America right now where one’s religion can often guide a voter’s decisions about who they want to see as their country’s next leader, Heretical couldn’t be more relevant and is an absolute must-see for people from all walks of life.

Grant’s portrayal as Mr. Reed is arguably the most captivating performance seen on film this year. The real genius of this character is that he never really comes across as condescending or outright belittling the missionaries, but instead presents thought-provoking facts that would create a sense of doubt in even the most devout of one’s faith.

With his Heretical performance, the world is reminded of how incredible Grant is as a beloved actor for many years, known for roles in a wide variety of genres throughout his illustrious career. Even as he spoke after his filmmakers at AFI Fest, Grant took to the microphone and shared with the audience, referencing his well-known “playboy” past, “Hollywood Boulevard has always been a lucky place for me.” To be this dashing British gentleman in real life, while being able to bring such an eerie and hypnotic performance to the screen is truly exceptional.

Thatcher and East also give excellent performances in Heretical as the two young women challenged to their core, yet striving with all their might to somehow hold on to their humanity and their rather selfless beliefs the very best they can in this unfathomable situation.

Once again, A24 hits the jackpot with another outstanding filmmaking achievement Hereticalseam will be released in theaters across the US on November 8th. You’ll undoubtedly leave the screening thinking about everything you’ve just seen and heard long after the credits roll, which in an age of so many easily-overwhelming options at our disposal is a most refreshing treat.