Hugh Grant’s Chilling Transformation: A Deep Dive into the Cult Horror of ‘Heretic’ – Must-Read Review!

Sneha Jaiswal

Watching *Heretic* was quite the ride! I found myself anxious, jumping out of my seat, and even wanting to pause because of the tension. Even though I wasn’t thrilled about the ending, this film is a must-see for horror fans.

Directed by Scott Beck and Ryan Woods, *Heretic* follows two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East). Their visit to win over an older man, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), turns into a nightmare.

The film kicks off with a clever conversation about marketing, hinting at the deeper themes of manipulation. The sisters go door-to-door, and when they reach Mr. Reed’s house, he’s inviting but already unsettling. He offers them blueberry pie and starts a theological debate. Here’s where they begin to feel uneasy—his intentions seem off.

Mr. Reed challenges their faith with pop culture references that make them question their beliefs. It’s a mix of humor and discomfort, illustrated when Sister Paxton identifies “With great power comes great responsibility” as Spider-Man, while Mr. Reed counters with Voltaire. The best moment is a nod to Radiohead’s “Creep,” which Reed claims is a rip-off of an older song.

Hugh Grant shines as Mr. Reed, exuding a calm yet menacing charm. He plays the perfect antagonist, making the sisters question their faith while also setting up a twisted game. He presents them with two back doors, one leading to freedom, forcing them to make an agonizing choice.

Sister Barnes is bold and intelligent, while Sister Paxton is more cautious. Together, they navigate the dangers posed by Mr. Reed. Despite their differences, their bond and faith in each other drive the story.

The film takes a dark turn in its second half, with intensified violence. If you’re squeamish, you might want to skip this one. I found myself screaming in discomfort, despite usually handling gore well. The unsettling dynamic between the older Mr. Reed and the younger women adds to the film’s tension.

At just under two hours, *Heretic* is nail-biting and keeps viewers in suspense. While the ending might divide opinions, it’s an engaging watch for psychological horror fans.

Rating: 8 out of 10. Available on Prime Video.

For more pop culture insights, find me on Twitter and Instagram.

Read Next: *Pune Highway Review*: A 90s Style Thrill (Video Below)

Source link