Time: 111 Minutes
Age Rating: R16– Bloody violence & content that may disturb
Cast:
Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed
Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes
Chloe East as Sister Paxton
Director: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods

Heretic was an upcoming horror thriller which starred Hugh Grant as the villain, I had a good time with it.

I went into the movie knowing very little outside of the main premise, and I think that’s the best way to experience it. The first half is largely about two missionaries having to engage in this religious debate with Hugh Grant. Thematically, it poses questions about religion, and as bogged down as the movie could be at times, it is quite enjoyable with the witty dialogue, effectively builds tension, and the plot is fairly unpredictable. It even holds off on showing any blood till the halfway point. Part of the enjoyment comes from how intentionally silly it can get, it is surprisingly funny, mainly stemming from Hugh Grant and his character. While it presents some potentially interesting ideas on religion, as it enters into its second half, a lot of that is forgotten. This second half is less interesting as it goes into more conventional horror territory and loses some steam towards the end.

Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are great as the protagonists, and effectively anchor the movie really well. However, Hugh Grant is the standout. As the main villain, he is charming and funny yet creepy and threatening. He delivers some of his best work and is wonderfully chewing the scenery and being a complete menace.

Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods previously made Haunt and 65 and between these three movies, I think that Heretic is their best movie yet. It gets creative with the camerawork and editing, and the production design and sound design are great.

Heretic is an entertaining, tense, and occasionally surprisingly funny horror thriller, with great performances from Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.