The new A24 film Heretic premiered this past Thursday during the 38th annual AFI Fest in Hollywood, California at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The writers/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were in attendance, as well as longtime Hollywood star Hugh Grant, alongside his young co-stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.
Heretic follows the story of Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East), young women with a well-intentioned and passionate mission to convert people to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Better known to some as Mormon missionaries, the two ladies face their greatest challenge when they arrive at the home of Mr. Reed (Grant), a seemingly normal, playful and simple man who previously expressed interest in hearing more about the church.
Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in “Heretic”
What starts out as a cordial and pleasant discussion quickly becomes a wildly intricate game that preys upon confusion and fear, as Mr. Reed shares a plethora of history and knowledge that conflicts with the young women’s prideful beliefs. As the visit continues onward, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are faced with having to question their faith or firmly hold onto their beliefs, despite Mr. Reed’s impressive attempts to sway skepticism.
Beck and Woods, who also wrote the hit 2018 film A Quiet Place, are masters in being able to effectively and thoughtfully flip what the horror genre can be in modern cinema. Heretic for a large majority of the film could almost be rated PG to PG-13, as moviegoers are not bombarded with images of gore, violence and torture. What makes this film so haunting is the brilliant and articulate way that Mr. Reed presents real world facts to these women that many of us have never even heard about or thought about before. Let’s just say that you will never look at the board game Monopoly and blueberries the same way again after seeing this film.
Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods attend AFI FEST 2024 presented … [+]
Beck said at the AFI Fest podium before screening Heretic to a full audience, “A few years ago, after we wrote A Quiet Place, which was a movie that generated tension through cinematic techniques, we wondered, Could we actually do the opposite? where the horror doesn’t necessarily get generated through monsters or jump scares, but rather, through ideas and discussion – and so, that really was the birthplace for this idea of Heretic.”
There are many fascinating aspects to Heretic as a unique horror film, but the fear of the unknown throughout this on-screen story is often the most chilling for the audience, when nothing at all is happening, but simply knowing it’s what you don’t know or see (at least yet) that makes it all the more terrifying.
Chloe East, Hugh Grant and Sophie Thatcher in “Heretic”
During a time in our world when wars are happening due to conflicting beliefs and ways of life that have been guided by stories from thousands of years ago, as well as living within a divisive political climate in places like America right now, where one’s religion can often lead a voter’s decisions in who they want to see as their country’s next leader, Heretic could not be any more timely and is an absolute must-see for people from all walks of life.
Grant’s portrayal as Mr. Reed is quite arguably the most captivating performance seen on film this year. The real genius of this character is that he never really comes off as condescending or directly belittles the missionaries, but instead, he presents thought-provoking facts that would create a sense of doubt in even the most devoted to one’s faith.
Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East at the U.S. Premiere of “Heretic” at AFI Fest at TCL … [+]
With his Heretic performance, the world is reminded of how incredible Grant is as a longtime beloved actor, known for roles in a wide range of genres throughout his illustrious career. Even when speaking after his filmmakers at AFI Fest, Grant walked up to the microphone and shared with the crowd, referencing his well-known “playboy” past, “Hollywood Boulevard has always been a lucky place for me.” To be this cheeky British gentleman in reality, while being able to bring such a creepy and hypnotic performance to the screen is truly exceptional.
Thatcher and East also give excellent performances in Heretic as the two young women challenged to their very core, yet strive with all their might to somehow hold onto their humanity and their rather selfless beliefs the very best that they can in this unfathomable situation.
Chloe East as Sister Paxton in “Heretic”
Once again, A24 hits the jackpot with another outstanding filmmaking achievement in Heretic, which will be released in theaters across the U.S. on November 8. You will undoubtedly leave the screening thinking about everything you just saw and heard, long after the credits roll, which during a time with so many easy-to-binge options at our disposal, is a most refreshing treat.
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