19/39
The story follows two young Mormon missionaries who meet with a man interested in exploring their faith after a previous encounter
Story
Two young religious women are drawn into a cat and mouse game in the home of a strange man. The credits state, “No generative Al was used in the making of this film.” I was lucky enough to catch the infamous Berry preview of Heretic (2024) in theaters tonight. As their conversation progresses, the young women realize that the discussion is taking a dark turn and they may be in serious danger.
This film is meticulously crafted, with elite writing and performances
Heretic is co-created and co-directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the team behind the horror 💎 Haunt. The cast includes Hugh Grant (Notting Hill), Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), Chloe East (The Wolf of Snow Hollow) and Topher Grace (That ’70s Show). Sophie Thatcher shines as an underrated, rising scream queen, and her chemistry with Chloe East is perfect.
These clever touches add depth to the script and the overall message
Hugh Grant delivers a spine-chilling performance as a serial killer, meeting my high expectations. The dialogue is cleverly written, with light moments, including a surprising pornographic opening, as well as witty religious and Monopoly analogies that were funny. The horror elements are excellent, using long, static shots to heighten the tension and relying on reaction shots.
The scenes with the religious “prophet” were visually impressive
However, the film does not shy away from the gore, presenting intense cuts and kills that demand attention. The ending of the film brings everything full circle, leaving a strong impact. In conclusion, while Heretic is not perfect, it offers a lot to enjoy for horror lovers.
