The year 2024 has emerged as a significant period for religious horror. Notable films such as Immaculate and The First Omen exhibit several parallels, particularly in their explorations of a familiar narrative: the impending arrival of the Antichrist. As a fan of the genre, due to my Catholic upbringing, it is a theme I’ve seen repeatedly.
How do you differentiate yourself from the other religious horror films? Ladies and gentlemen, A24 has blessed us with Heretic.
Heretic is a dialogue-heavy film that some viewers may find challenging. However, the conversations are the backbone of the movie, and even though they may seem lengthy, the content kept me engaged the entire time. It encouraged me to consider and question ideas I had never thought about.
The remarkable aspect of this film is that it prompts you to look inward and question everything around yourself. I cannot think of another film that has evoked such emotions out of me. Whether it was the content of the conversations or the adrenaline-pumping tension and dread, I was shaking when I left the cinema.
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their blockbuster post-apocalyptic horror film, A Quiet Place (2018), wrote and directed this project. While I enjoyed A Quiet Place, I loved their haunted-house slasher film, Haunt (2019) even more — it’s a staple on my Halloween watchlist. Beck and Woods are also known for producing the science-fiction film, 65, starring Adam Driver, which received mixed reviews.
However, one of the aspects I appreciate most about A24 films is their encouragement for directors to be experimental and challenge the audience’s imagination. This exploration of new ideas presents unique horror, relying less on jump scares or creepy imagery.
While Heretic includes both elements, it’s the psychological manipulation that terrified me the most.
Heretic follows two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who are visiting people interested in learning more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This film comes in at a reasonable time, coinciding with the popularity of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Although many Mormons may frown upon the show, I’ve learned a few things about the religion from social media discussions surrounding it.
For instance, Mormons generally avoid caffeine, but soda is acceptable. However, I digress.
The two young ladies visit Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) and are invited inside upon learning his wife will be present, but she is busy baking a blueberry pie to share with their guests. While waiting, the conversation marks the story’s beginning, mentally and physically leading the girls down an unexpected path of horror.
It is crucial for a film that initially relies on dialogue and theories to have outstanding performances. I cannot emphasize the expertise of Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East enough. Grant is well-known for his romantic comedy roles of the past, and this aspect of his persona makes him a perfect villain, because people feel they can trust him. He possesses a whimsical charm that makes him feel almost like family.
However, things begin to shift, and his friendly and sinister talent makes him a powerhouse in this role. Thatcher and East complement each other perfectly; Thatcher is brave and tough, while East is sweet with a hint of naiveté. Both actresses are so incredibly talented in their roles that it’s hard to believe they are only in their early 20s.
I cannot discuss this film without mentioning its comedic aspects. It is unafraid to make you laugh, contributing to a fun theater experience. While there are several laughs in the first and second acts, this is separate from the building tension that explodes in the third act. The humor is clever and well-timed, enhancing the characters’ personas. This movie serves as a mind game, or as Matt describes it, an escape room, placing you in the characters’ shoes.
It challenges you to consider how strong your belief in a higher power is and whether you would trust it to carry you to freedom. One may characterize it as a leap of faith; however, this merely represents the initial aspect of a broader discourse on faith.
The sound and set design of this movie are exceptional. Since most of the film is in Mr. Reed’s house, it becomes a character. As seen in the film’s poster, he has a miniature model of his home, reminiscent of the playhouse in Hereditary. The deeper you venture into the house, the more chilling it becomes. The sound design of the storm outside is both powerful and immersive, contributing to the claustrophobic atmosphere. Similarly, the records Mr. Reed plays for the girls enhance this feeling.
Ultimately, the film engages all of your senses, drawing you in.
What sets this movie apart from other religious horror films is its ability to challenge viewers. It doesn’t focus on one religion but explores the similarities among various beliefs throughout history. The film prompts you to consider essential questions: Why do you believe what you believe? Were you told something and accepted it as true without conducting your own research? The filmmakers pose these questions thoughtfully without being blasphemous or taking sides.
You don’t need to be spiritual to appreciate this film; you might find it even more engaging, as it feels as philosophical and faith challenging. It is an incredible topic for creating a horror film and sets the stage for a shocking finale.
Regarding images from this movie, I would suggest you see as little as possible beforehand. It reminds me of Zach Cregger’s Barbarian. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend watching it. Both films feature shocking imagery that genuinely surprises you. Please ensure that you avoid spoilers at all costs!
I strongly recommend viewing Heretic on the big screen.
This film provides an enjoyable theatrical experience and an immersive journey that explores the depths of darkness in a manner that cannot be paralleled in a home setting. This anxiety-inducing sermon has made me question everything I thought I knew, and it will stay with me for a long time. I am eager to see the discussions it will inspire. This will be in my Top 3 horror films of the year, if not No. 1. It is the best work from Beck and Woods so far. I can’t wait to see what they create next.
Overall Rating: Five out of five! (Yeah, I said it!)