A24's claustrophobic religious thriller transforms Britain's romantic comedy king into something genuinely terrifying.
For its first hour, Heretic is unlike any horror movie released in 2024. Two Mormon missionaries sit in a cozy living room, discussing faith with a charming older man, and somehow it becomes the most stressful viewing experience of the year.
Hugh Grant has spent decades perfecting the art of charm. In Heretic, he weaponizes it. His Mr. Reed is terrifying not for overt aggression but for his unnervingly calm demeanor. Grant is having an absolute blast, and it's his best work in years.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East bring genuine humanity to what could have been victim archetypes. The theological debates are genuinely fascinating—Mr. Reed's deconstruction of world religions is compelling enough that you almost forget he's a monster.
With 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and $60 million worldwide on a $10 million budget, Heretic proves ideas can be as scary as monsters.
Pros
- + Hugh Grant's terrifying against-type performance
- + Brilliantly escalating tension
- + Intellectually engaging theological debates
Cons
- - Second half becomes more conventional
- - Divisive ending
Verdict
Smart, tense, and genuinely unnerving—proof that ideas can be as scary as monsters.