In this film two Mormon sisters Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), visit the home of a man called Mr Reed (Hugh Grant). He invites them into his home to talk about their faith by promising his wife is in the house baking a pie. After a while they realise they are locked in the dwelling, there is no wife, and they have no mobile phone service and therefore cannot call for help. As the film progresses Mr Reed becomes more terrifying and forces the girls to question their faith.
This is a psychological horror film and while there are some gruesome moments the real drama comes more from the chilling way Mr Reed manages to manipulate the women into giving up their own power.
The story treads a balance between a scathing critique of religion and power yet also leans into the idea of providence and the power of true faith.
The acting is pretty strong though I think Grant could have brought a bit more cold malice to the role.
What frustrated me about this film was a heavy reliance on predictable tropes and cheap shock tactics. Some of the gory aspects seem to be just dropped in and feel very manipulative rather than being genuinely frightening.
Ultimately Heretic is a mixed bag for me. The premise is great, the acting well done, and the exploration of the hypocrisy in organised religion is on point. But all this is squandered by its over reliance on cheap shocks.
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HERETIC
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East
Directed by: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Duration: 111 Minutes
Open in New Zealand – 28th November 2024
