‘Heretic’

Hugh Grant shines in this popcorn thriller that delivers big ideas in a fun and exciting way

Back in 2015, almost a decade ago, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods hit the scene writing and directing the supernatural thriller Nightlife.The two gained notoriety in 2018, however, when they co-wrote that year’s smash hit, A Quiet Place. Since then, they have directed 2019’s slasher Haunt and, most recently, 2023’s dinosaur action thriller 65. Flash forward a year, we see Beck and Woods returning with their latest film Heretic.

Once again written and directed by the duo, Heretic tells the story of Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), two LDS Church missionaries who arrive at the home of Mr Reed (Hugh Grant). After being invited in, the three begin to discuss religion where conversation quickly turns uncomfortable for Barnes and Paxton. The two attempt to leave while Mr Reed leaves the room before realising that the front door does not unlock and their phones no longer work. What ensues is a game of cat-and-mouse as the three begin to discuss and challenge one another's faith and the true nature of belief.

Beck and Woods have scaled back a lot from their previous outing, 65, foregoing the colossal threat of dinosaurs and a perilous journey across a barren landscape; replacing it with the threat of one man and the inability to escape a single location. Heretic reminds audiences just how effective a small scale film can be, if you have a good idea and the talent to back it up. Thankfully, Heretic has both.

Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who stars in an adjacent role to that of The Fabelmans religious fanatic Monica Sherwood, both do a terrific job at conveying the uncomfortable dread of the situation they find themselves in. Both beginning the film full of life, they quickly descend into a sea of doubt as the brilliant Hugh Grant delivers Mr Reed’s rambling monologues critiquing the monopoly of certain religions and the frightening similarities between various cultural beliefs.

Feeling like someone who has listened to one too many niche podcasts, Hugh Grant does a tremendous job at making everything Mr Reed spouts about religion believable. Whether he is correct or not is the crux of his characters ‘test’, which he puts both Barnes and Paxton through, as he asks them to exit the house through one of two doors: one door for if they still believe in their God, or one door for if they don’t. As the two deliberate their answers, they eventually find themselves spiraling further into Mr Reed’s test as he promises to show them the ‘one true religion’.

This setup results in one of the most entertaining films that 2024 has to offer. It’s no bigger than it needs to be, either thematically or physically. Tackling interesting topics in a fascinating way, it not only challenges audiences' views on the topics being challenged by Mr Reed, but also their views on Mr Reed as a person and just how trustworthy his analysis really is. This puts the audience in the shoes of the two protagonists perfectly, subsequently highlighting just how easy it is to trust someone as charming as Hugh Grant.

Beck and Woods’ construction of the film is stellar too. Collaborating with cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung (Oldboy, The Handmaiden), the film has a well crafted visual atmosphere that lends itself brilliantly to the overall vibe. With a great sense of location, the audience slowly begins to understand Mr Reed’s house as a character in its own right, becoming more familiar with its secrets as the film progresses. The two also bring an energy to the film's direction that helps pace its near two hour runtime blissfully.

While the film tackles a lot of big ideas, Beck and Woods manage to do so in a way that is constantly entertaining. While the film does have horror elements, it is more inline with the popcorn thrillers that used to fill audiences screens more often than not. Never quite developing into an all-in horror flick, Heretic manages to be ever exciting, even when it leans into its more upsetting and uncomfortable moments. Thatcher and East both do a great job at elevating those moments of horror, with one central moment highlighting just how exciting an actor Chloe East is becoming.

It’s when the film's mysteries start to truly unravel themselves that the film itself begins to unravel, a little. Towards the film's climax, a lot of its promising ideas that kick off its thrills begin to become a bit too familiar and over played. Not only thematically, but also in its craft, the film feels more comfortable as it progresses, which leads to its finale feeling a bit too safe or expected. While it’s not too detracting from the overall enjoyment of the film, it does feel as though Beck and Woods perhaps leant too far into their big swings in the films front end.

With that said though, the film is still ever entertaining. Handsomely put together and constantly enjoyable, Heretic is a delightful time at the movies. With two great lead performances in Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East; and a scene stealing outing from Hugh Grant, Beck and Woods have crafted a film packed with big ideas delivered in a digestible and fun package. Filled with plenty of thrilling moments with the perfectly timed comedic one to balance it, Heretic manages to take audiences on a ride that is sure to please even the most jumpy of movie goers.

Heretic is in Australian cinemas now!