Hugh Grant is at his mischievous best in Heretic, a new horror offering from directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place). The film centres on two young missionaries whose conviction is brutally tested when they stumble upon the wrong house and find themselves face-to-face with an unsettling stranger.
Grant stars as Mr. Reed, a refined yet deeply sinister recluse whose isolated rural home becomes a stage for a darkly humorous, tense psychological game of cat and mouse with young Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher of Yellowjackets fame) and Chloe East (The Fabelmans).
Initially, Reed seems merely eccentric, but as the encounter unfolds, it’s clear he has a darker agenda, drawing the young women into a disturbingly complex game that tests the boundaries of faith and moral certainty. That ’70s Show alum Topher Grace also appears as Elder Kennedy, whose search for the young women lands him face to face with their would be tormentor.
Beck and Woods have crafted a rich, menacing atmosphere that amplifies every moment of suspense. Their single-location setting—a remote, imposing house with narrow corridors and unpredictable lighting—contributes to a disorienting sense of entrapment. Reed’s home feels alive, exuding a presence that mirrors the character’s manipulative nature, with its shadowed rooms and cramped passages that suggest that even the house itself is part of this deadly game.
Grant’s performance elevates Heretic from standard horror-comedy fare into something unexpectedly sophisticated. Known for his recent shift toward morally ambiguous roles, he brings an unsettling, intelligent charm to Mr. Reed that feels both effortless and deeply disturbing. This is a performance where Grant’s subtle expressions—a wry smile, a flicker of menace—add layers to the character, making Reed’s unpredictability all the more alarming. His timing and nuanced delivery keep viewers uncertain of what’s next, which in turn gives him an edge that allows the film to defy its genre limitations and resonate with audiences on a psychological level.
Heretic leaves a lasting impact with its blend of mesmerising performances, eerie visuals, and carefully crafted dialogue. This isn’t just a film about provoking fear; it’s a dissection of power dynamics, belief, and the unsettling unknown that lies within each of us.
Through Reed’s darkly philosophical questions and the sisters’ troubled responses, the story probes the fragility of human faith and the complexities of religious belief. By casting Grant in this daring role, Beck and Woods bring a fresh voice to modern horror, cementing Heretic as an unforgettable addition to the genre.
