"Discover the Sinister Side of Hugh Grant in 'Heretic': A Thrilling Journey"

What is 'Heretic' About?

"Heretic" begins with two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), on a mission to spread their faith. Knocking on the door of a reclusive man identified only as Mr. Reed (Grant), they initially find a receptive ear. However, as they spend more time with him, an uneasy feeling creeps in. When they try to leave, they find themselves trapped in his eccentric yet sinister home. Drawn into a cat-and-mouse game, they are forced to prove their religious faith to escape alive.

The movie's opening scenes, centered around Mr. Reed debating theology with the missionaries, are a dialogue-heavy delight. As someone with a background in a religious household (now largely agnostic), these conversations offer a fascinating insight. Hugh Grant's performance is truly remarkable, as he effortlessly brings Mr. Reed to life with a sinister charm.

Thoughtful, Intense and Haunting

Hugh Grant is the main draw of "Heretic." His performance steals every scene, making him the standout of the entire movie. Mr. Reed is a far cry from his usual characters, and Grant clearly relishes the opportunity to play such a menacing role.

What surprised me most was the enthralling nature of the first act. While the back half ramps up with well-timed jump scares and a narrative twist, the initial 30 to 45 minutes held my attention just as strongly. The discussions about religion were not only thought-provoking but also added depth to the story. Plus, Grant's impression of Jar Jar Binks became an online meme, adding an extra layer of entertainment.

After the Choice

After Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are given a choice by Mr. Reed to exit his home through one of two marked doors, the movie takes a more predictable turn. But the excitement levels don't wane. It's at this point that the tension really kicks in, and "Heretic" grabs your attention in a whole new way.

Overall, "Heretic" is a rare dark thriller that combines chills with thoughtful writing. Even if some viewers find the first act a bit slow, the trio of lead actors' performances make it a must-watch. Grant's warped performance is impossible to ignore, and it draws you into the story. This is one of the year's most pleasant surprises and a standout in the dark thriller genre.

'Heretic' Reviews — Critics Were Equally Impressed

Before its release, I expected "Heretic" to receive a lukewarm critical reception. But I was pleasantly surprised. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 91% score from 250 reviews. While the audience score is a bit lower at 77%, with some negative reviews about its approach to religion, the overall consensus is positive.

Kyle Smith of the Wall Street Journal praised the movie, calling it "an expertly engineered work of suspense and an ingeniously structured colloquy about belief systems." Empire Magazine's James Dyer labeled it an "incredibly tense, tightly contained bottle horror, with a genuinely chilling turn from Hugh Grant." Olly Richards of Time Out also gave it a positive review, highlighting its enjoyable horror elements and thought-provoking questions.

However, there were some more critical voices. Nick Howells of the London Evening Standard wasn't a fan, criticizing the movie for being unscary and tedious. But despite these mixed reviews, "Heretic" still stands out as a unique and engaging thriller.

You Need to Stream 'Heretic' Right Now

"Heretic" is a movie that you don't want to miss. Hugh Grant's performance steals the show, but Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East also shine. This thriller is engaging from start to finish, whether the characters are discussing faith or facing a life-or-death situation. The strong screenplay and tone make it a must-watch.

If you're looking for a movie to hook you this week, "Heretic" is the obvious choice. While renting it on PVOD may cost a bit, it's worth it for the experience. If you don't want to pay, you can always wait for its premiere on Max, but that seems like a long wait. In the meantime, immerse yourself in this thrilling world and enjoy the ride.

For more movie recommendations and guides, check out our other articles on Tom's Guide. Whether you're in the mood for a dark thriller or a classic Christmas movie, we've got you covered.