Heretic is A Sinister Showcase for Hugh Grant's Dark Side - Review

A24’s Heretic finds horror in faith, doubt, and Hugh Grant’s gripping villain.

Hugh Grant is thriving in the latter part of his career. The 64-year-old actor has made the transition from handsome leading man to interesting character roles: from an Oompa Loompa to an evil rogue in a film based on a tabletop game. A24’s new horror film ‘Heretic’ perfectly uses Grant as a charming theologist whose plans are more nefarious than they seem.

‘Heretic’ sees two young Mormon missionaries, played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, on their mission to convert seemingly interested people to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their attempt to convert the apparently kind Mr. Reed (Grant) leads to a dangerous situation that leaves both girls questioning their own faith.

‘Heretic’ does not rely on jumpscares, but instead a creeping feeling of unease as the two young ladies start to realize the actual peril they may be in. Long religious monologues deliver the scares. A cramped setting enhances the tension. This lets the audience just sit with these characters for a while.

When Grant’s character really starts to cook, he’s as magnetic as he is frightening.

The script and directing from Scott Beck and Bryan Woods allow Grant to run with the character. The role arguably wouldn’t work as well without the audiences knowing the history of Grant as a handsome actor who has taken part in some of the most famous romantic comedies of all time. Horror villains who eloquently speak in such an articulate nature can be the most frightening of all. Thatcher and East are wonderful as the two young Mormon women. They are successful in backing up their beliefs and are both strong female characters. They’re able to verbally spar with Grant’s character even though he’s really the one in control.

The back half of the film loses some of the steam established up front and has to turn to some more traditional scares at times. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but the first half is so strong that I wish it had been maintained throughout.

Verdict

I give ‘Heretic’ 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is a successful horror entry from A24, with standout performances from its three leads. The plotting is slightly uneven, but the atmosphere and dialogue help propel the film to a satisfying conclusion.