14/14
They are both no longer Mormon
Story
Two religious young women find themselves caught up in a cat-and-mouse game in a stranger’s home. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in Heretic and more modern women destroying the horror game. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East grew up Mormon and were therefore able to provide valuable insight into the religion when making the film. The credits state that no generative AI was used in the making of the film. Included in movie reviews: “Heretic” | “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever” (2024).
Directed by The Hollies
“The Air I Breathe” Written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. In “Heretic,” Hugh Grant steps into the shoes of Mr. Reed and delivers a performance that is nothing short of captivating. Grant’s performance, full of quiet intensity, draws us into the mystery of Reed’s character, skillfully weaving charm and menace. The dialogue is elegantly crafted, with a sharp wit that’s confident and relatable enough that you can imagine a similar (and perhaps equally terrifying) post-Thanksgiving dinner dialogue between some grumpy relatives.
But for me, they spoiled the choreography of the act itself
It’s the kind of banter that delights as much as it unsettles, and it shows that the writers knew how to dance with the words and really exploit Grant’s electrifying everyman charm. The atmosphere in Heretic is thick with tension, a constantly simmering tension that seems almost Hitchcockian (I’m being generous, but it’s good). But unlike Hitchcock’s masterpieces, where every action seems inevitable, Reed’s journey teeters dangerously on the edge of credibility, but for me, never quite reaches it. While we’re willing to set aside our skepticism for a while and wait to learn Reed’s motive, the film’s premise ultimately falters under the weight of its own ambitions. Mr.
It’s as if the filmmakers wanted to build a maze but forgot to place a satisfying prize at the center
Reed’s improbable choices — and the film’s claim that they are plausible — make one question not only his motives but perhaps even the coherence of the script. Sure, the resolution brings us philosophically to Reed’s main point, but his actions at the end seem so bizarre and so unjustified by the plot that I racked my brain trying to figure out why he didn’t just start a YouTube channel for skeptics and be done with it. In the end, you’re left with a hollow aftertaste, the feeling of having been led into an abyss, only to discover that the bridge wasn’t built. While Grant’s performance deserves praise, not even his talent can bridge the gap between the film’s intriguing buildup and its disappointing denouement. And without giving too much away, the final slight hint at the OTHER possibility was a weak plot move that seemed to throw a bone to the philosophical loser side in case it offended anyone.
That was a real joy
In short, Heretic is a beautiful journey through the maze, with Grant mastering the role from start to finish, even if you feel a bit lost by the incomplete ending. Had the filmmakers paid as much attention to the plot structure as they did to Reed’s impeccable, if confusing, choices, Heretic could have been one of the most memorable thrillers of this year. Regardless of what you think of THIS movie, I can’t wait to see more of Hugh Grant in the horror genre. Also an honorable mention to the two lead actresses, who harmonized so well with each other. The cast never held this movie back, that’s for sure.
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