A twisted tale of faith and fear: ‘Heretic’ redefines religious horror
In the realm of faith-based movies, “Heretic” stands as a stark contrast. This unpredictable thriller, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their work on “A Quiet Place,” challenges audiences to see Hugh Grant in a role unlike any other. Grant plays a deranged religious scholar, Mr. Reed, who traps two Mormon missionaries in his home, aiming to shatter their faith in Joseph Smith and his teachings.
A sinister twist on hospitality
When Mr. Reed, clad in an innocuous sweater and glasses, opens his door to the missionaries, Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), they have no reason to suspect his intentions. His offer of fresh-baked blueberry pie seems generous, but it masks a darker purpose. These young proselytizers are on a mission to spread salvation, while Beck and Woods are selling suspense, relying on Grant’s against-type performance to keep viewers on edge.
Grant, who has recently explored more complex roles in Guy Ritchie’s films and even played a comic villain in “Paddington 2,” dives into uncharted territory with “Heretic.” This bold casting choice is both the film’s strength and its Achilles’ heel. The screenplay, rich with thought-provoking dialogue, raises questions about the nature of belief and the power dynamics within religious systems.
The unsettling setup
“Heretic” begins with an unusual conversation between Paxton and Barnes about Magnum condoms, a topic seemingly out of place for two abstinent members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. This odd exchange serves to grab the audience’s attention, setting the stage for the unsettling events to follow. The missionaries’ skepticism about the sales pitch mirrors Mr. Reed’s goal: to make them question their faith.
Mr. Reed, having given his contact information to the missionaries, invites them into his home. Once inside, he subjects them to a one-sided theological debate, aiming to expose their religion as a sham. His true audience, however, is not the missionaries but the viewers, who may find themselves more aligned with his cynical perspective.
A psychological game
As the tension builds, Mr. Reed leads the missionaries to a room with two “exit” doors labeled ”BELIEF” and “DISBELIEF.” He claims that choosing correctly will set them free, but can they trust him? His home is a fortress, designed to trap and isolate, with locked doors, windows, and signal-blocking walls.
In this controlled environment, Mr. Reed assumes the role of a god-like figure, preaching his “one true religion.” He uses pop-culture references to argue that all religions are mere iterations of one another, much like how The Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe” influenced Radiohead’s “Creep,” which in turn inspired Lana Del Rey’s “Get Free.” However, this analogy falls short, as the differences between religions often reveal more than their similarities.
The battle of wits
Mr. Reed’s intellectual arrogance is evident as he quotes Seneca: “Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.” His attempts to demonstrate the manipulative nature of religious systems become increasingly convoluted, relying on horror-movie tropes and a bizarre stunt he calls his “miracle” to maintain the audience’s interest.
Despite their initial naivety, the missionaries prove to be more resilient than they appear. Sister Paxton, though polite and eager to please, eventually sees through Mr. Reed’s arguments and stands her ground. Sister Barnes, with her tough exterior and hidden past, brings a complexity reminiscent of a young Winona Ryder. Yet, it is Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed that remains the most unpredictable, as he ventures into a darkness uncharted in his previous roles.
The ultimate test of faith
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Mr. Reed has had other victims before. The brief appearance of Topher Grace as Elder Kennedy hints at a larger, more sinister pattern. The film explores the parallels between fear and religion, both of which hinge on belief. Accepting Grant as a twisted antagonist requires a leap of faith, but those who do will find “Heretic” to be a gripping experience.
“Heretic” may not change your views on religion, but it will certainly make you think twice about accepting a slice of blueberry pie from a stranger. For those intrigued by this dark and thought-provoking thriller, you can watch the trailer and find more information here.
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