‘Question everything’
Heretic is a 2024 horror film about two teenage female missionaries who become ensnared in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse after they knock at the house of a strange man.
Written, directed and co-produced by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (65; Haunt, writers of The Boogeyman; A Quiet Place). Also produced by Liliane Bedford, Julia Glausi, Kai Raka, Stacey Sher and Jeanette Volturno.
The Beck Woods-Catchlight Studios-Shiny Penny co-production stars Hugh Grant (The Lair of the White Worm), Sophie Thatcher (The Boogeyman, 2023), Chloe East, Elle McKinnon, River Codack, Carolyn Adair, Stephanie Lavigne and Elle Young.
Reviews:
“The ultimate message of Heretic may not be as deep as the film thinks it is, but its setup is delivered with such entertaining conviction and careful thought that you’re in for the ride. And what a ride this is. Heretic wants to engage the audience’s brains as much as their adrenal glands, and it succeeds at that with visual and verbal panache.” Grade: A- Awards Watch
” …it’s like a more sensible, more satisfying Longlegs, a game of cat and mouse that extends to include the audience […] In fact, there’s a lot going on in the title alone. Who is the heretic? The subtle thrill of this deceptively intelligent thrill ride is that, after listening to all of Mr. Reed’s beautifully cogent arguments, by the end of the movie it could well be you.” Deadline
“Audiences will surely discuss this film from diverse angles long afterwards. It pushes boundaries in ways that may divide initial opinions. Regardless, Heretic pushed cinema into brave new terrain. Recommend this one for those eager to dissect its take on faith over coffee with like-minded movie buffs. Digging into its mysteries rewards the open-minded.” 8/10 Gazettely
“Grant tears into it with such ebullient vigour that it feels as if he’s been waiting for something like this for decades, a performance of total freedom and what seems like genuinely giddy pleasure. He gives us flashes of the same disarming charm we associate him with, but here it’s used as part of his weaponry as he tries to cajole his opponents into playing his sadistic game. Disappointingly, the ultimate nature of the game isn’t quite as well-figured out…” ★★★ The Guardian
“Heretic is most compelling as a three-character chamber drama. The charade between Mr. Reed, Paxton and Barnes helps to distracts from the screenplay, which wobbles under analytical pressure. Beck and Wood, at first, seem intent on interrogating the pitfalls of modern religion, but their narrative never goes all the way in its criticism.” The Hollywood Reporter
” …a twisty A24 thriller that proves Scott Beck and Bryan Woods really can write dialogue when they want to. There is, in fact, a strong touch of Quentin Tarantino in this clever, contained horror movie about two teenage Mormon missionaries who knock on the wrong door and end up fighting for their lives (and faith) against a creep with a big religious chip on his shoulder, played by a brilliantly cast-against-type Hugh Grant. Heretic’s slow-simmering first half is much better than its second, but the movie keeps you on your toes throughout.” IGN
” …it’s the script and performances that make Heretic a fun horror romp, even if, at close to two hours, it feels like it’s spinning its wheels a bit too much and maybe (occasionally) gets a little too clever for its own good. Heretic should be another solid horror hit for A24…” 7/10, JoBlo
“Heretic segues into a slightly erratic yet progressively compelling midsection and second half that goes in some seriously unexpected directions – with the inclusion of several narrative jolts carrying the picture through to its slightly underwhelming climax. The end result is a fairly singular horror endeavor that probably should’ve topped out at 90 minutes, and yet there’s certainly never a point at which one is tempted to check their watch.” ***1/2 out of **** Reel Film Reviews
“Grant’s turn in Heretic is not just a great role that commands attention, it’s also a part that requires a dash of that Hugh Grant charm to pull off. Yes, we know we’re in a horror movie, but we spend the first act of the film secretly hoping that Mr. Reed will turn out to be an okay guy, that his wife will indeed turn out to be in the next room with her blueberry pie…” Vulture
YouTube reviews:
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Release date:
Heretic will be released theatrically in the United States by A24 on November 8, 2024, a week earlier than previously announced.
More Hugh Grant movies:
THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM Reviews of Ken Russell’s romp – free on Plex, Prime, Roku, Tubi and Vudu
More Sophie Thatcher movies:
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