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Inside ‘heretic’: Hugh Grant’s transformation into Mr. Reed
Crafting a chilling narrative
In their newest release, “Heretic”, now available in theaters via A24, writer-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods masterfully weave a haunting narrative. The story revolves around a mysterious man named Mr. Reed who entraps two Mormon missionaries in his home after they attempt to educate him about their faith. This gripping tale dives deep into themes of power, control, and belief systems, drawing audiences into an uncomfortable yet thought-provoking experience.
The challenge of casting Mr. Reed
Before the cameras even began rolling, Beck and Woods faced the daunting task of casting the intricate role of Mr. Reed. They needed an actor who could effortlessly toggle between sinister and charming, someone capable of delivering intense dialogues on complex religious ideas. Their choice? The impeccably talented Hugh Grant.
The unexpected choice: Hugh Grant
When considering actors for such a multifaceted role, Hugh Grant might not come to mind immediately. Known predominantly for his romantic comedies, Grant had to shed his familiar skin and embrace a darker persona.
“We’ve been blown away by Hugh,” Woods reveals. “Seeing him in ‘Cloud Atlas,’ playing multiple diverse roles, showed us his capacity to tackle complex characters. Over the past decade, he’s emerged as one of cinema’s greatest character actors.”
Hugh Grant’s meticulous preparation
Grant’s dynamic performance in “Heretic” can be attributed to his extraordinary work ethic. Woods explains how Grant’s dedication was evident from the start:
“We got a window into his mind — he loves taking risks and is meticulous in his research. He thoroughly examined every line in the script. If something wasn’t clear, we’d discuss it until we were all on the same page.”
Remarkably, over 200 pages of emails were exchanged between Grant and the directors, debating and dissecting the film’s themes and character motivations. Grant’s commitment extended to understanding the directors’ backgrounds with religion and philosophy, enabling him to embody Mr. Reed genuinely and compellingly.
Developing the character further
This intensive preparation allowed Grant to delve so deeply into his character that he continually evolved Mr. Reed on set. Working alongside Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who play the entrapped missionaries, Grant often added layers to Reed’s persona through improvised, in-character ad-libs.
“When Hugh improvises, it’s always magical,” Woods notes. “His understanding of Mr. Reed was so profound that even his spontaneous lines felt integrally tied to the story.”
A project close to the heart
For Beck and Woods, “Heretic” represents a significant shift from their previous large-scale action-fantasy projects like “A Quiet Place” and “65”. This film allowed them to explore more introspective themes, delving into existential questions and the search for meaning through religion.
“Our recent films have been minimal on dialogue, but ‘Heretic’ is heavy with it,” Beck acknowledges. “The genesis of this film stems from our decades-long friendship and discussions about life’s big questions.”
Potential for more spiritual sequels
Given the depth and success of “Heretic”, Beck and Woods are eager to explore similar themes in future projects, aiming to create “spiritual sequels” that delve further into religion and human psychology.
“We have ideas lined up that dive into religion, cults, and other provocative topics,” Beck explains. “Our goal is to foster conversations, prompting audiences to engage with these themes long after the credits roll.”
Igniting discourse in a polarized world
“Heretic” is not just another religious thriller; it’s a film designed to ignite discourse. It’s an invitation to explore difficult questions, challenge personal beliefs, and engage in meaningful conversations.
In a world often divided by differing viewpoints, films like “Heretic” remind us of the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and foster understanding. By tackling uncomfortable topics, Beck and Woods are not just creating films; they’re contributing to a broader cultural dialogue that is as essential as it is intriguing.
Behind the scenes
![Director Bryan Woods, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East on the set of “Heretic.”] (Everett Collection)
As audiences delve into the unsettling world of “Heretic”, they will undoubtedly be captivated by the performances, the intricate storyline, and the profound themes that linger long after the film ends.
For those who appreciate cinema that challenges the status quo and sparks thoughtful conversations, “Heretic” is a must-watch.
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