Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, frequent collaborators in the filmmaking industry, present their latest work, "Heretic," under the A24 banner. The duo undertakes both co-writing and co-directing responsibilities for this psychological thriller. The narrative focuses on Sister Barnes (portrayed by Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (portrayed by Chloe East), two Mormon missionaries who seek to convert Mr. Reed (played by Hugh Grant), a reclusive individual. However, they soon discover that he poses more significant dangers than initially appears to present.
Beck and Woods retain the conventional horror tropes for the film but "subtly" create a creepy atmosphere that takes the viewer into a world in which belief and ethics are tested on every front. The juxtaposition of the missionaries' good intentions and Reed's evil tricks creates an intriguing tension that will hold viewers a little breathless. Grant's Reed is as endearing as a character as it gets, the combination of heroism and menace rendering him all the more enticing. His acting will leave you asking how close to the point of reason one can be before slipping into darkness.
The movie's screenplay is a clever play on faith and unbelief, as the characters — and, by extension, the viewer — are brought to confront themselves. Thatcher and East give sterling performances as Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton play Reed's cruel chess game, and they wrestle with their faith in ways that are at once profound and disturbing. The exposition, which is razor-sharp and often dark, is interesting enough that it develops characters and, at the same time, helps keep them laughing.
Visually, "Heretic" is striking. The film shows how the missionaries' light contrasts Mr. Reed's dark world. Lighting and sound design elevate the moment and frame it in a calamity hovering over every interaction. From the unremarkable suburban house to the squalid rooms of Reed's home, every location is carefully filmed to amplify the film's psychological impact.
What "Heretic" really comes down to is the human mind in peril. As the story develops, the friends have to face up to Reed's evil and their flaws and ideals. The film asks questions about belief, strength, and evil and forces you to think about what it means to believe.
"Heretic" transcends the typical thriller classification; it serves as a cautionary tale that explores the perils of blind faith and the intricate nature of human morality. Directors Beck and Woods adeptly integrate elements of horror and psychological drama, resulting in a compelling viewing experience. The performances are notably strong, particularly that of Hugh Grant, and the narrative effectively maintains suspense, engaging the audience until the credits role.
Final Grade : B+
"Heretic" is in theaters now and is expected to arrive on PVOD on Tuesday December 10th.