Written and Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East

When thinking back someday over his life choices and decisions, I think it is safe to say that Hugh Grant won’t regret his change of heart on an early retirement. Not for a moment. Had he remained resolute in that initial decision, then he would have missed the opportunity to work with the wonderful Meryl Streep (the reason he changed his mind!), not become the most wonderful and memorable Oompa Loompa to date, and never evolved his brand to portraying more villainous characters as he has of late. Heretic may very well be his most sinister role so far, yet Hugh Grant continues to apply the same whimsy and charm we know and love him for in a film penned by the writers of A Quiet Place. What a combo!

Warning: If you are a doorknocker, especially the religious kind, you might wish to stop reading right here!

Judging by the context of exchanging dialogue between Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) during the opening scene of Heretic, it is clear there is naivety present in the two young Mormon missionaries. Their minds might not be completely made up on all views their religion demands of them, but their stances will need to be steadfast upon knocking on the door of Mr Reed (Hugh Grant). Mr Reed has requested this visit as he wishes to understand more about The Church of Latter-day Saints and the young women would love nothing more than to have him converted. Their visit becomes one that brings unease and raises several red flags as Mr Reed’s observances, curiosity and very calculated discourse reveal there is zero intention from him to join their congregation.

Recently, James McAvoy enthralled us with his masterfully menacing presence in psychological horror, Speak No Evil. Hugh Grant’s work in Heretic is certainly different in mannerism but is on par in superiority and worth the price of admission alone. 

The first part of Heretic is a sublime, utterly engaging, and intellectually appealing psychological thriller. I definitely will not reveal the context of the conversations to unfold between the central characters as that is for you to discover and equally enjoy. Instead, I will say that I was absolutely enthralled by all facets of the writing – dialogue, the screenplay’s purpose, and characterisation, to name a few. I just love what it chooses to challenge and how it challenges its subjects! 

The next part of Heretic gradually evolves towards the horror genre while maintaining its psychological roots. For purely personal reasons I cannot go into without spoilers, a large part of me wished this film didn’t choose to venture down this path, even though I do love me a good religious-based horror film. Its progression to this does otherwise work and is mostly well executed, though it might be a little less intriguing than it was before and substitutes some of that intrigue for heightened visual tension. By now though, we are already a fair way into this film’s duration.

The finale of Heretic should prove to be plausible and satisfactory overall but invites scrutinisation that can expose a lack of credibility in parts and the film arguably goes for too much. Some restraint and a resolution that more heavily prioritises its psychological capabilities would have elevated this to a status of excellence. Nevertheless, I can think of plenty of people I’d still recommend this to.

Heretic is showing in cinemas across Australia from November 28th.

Moviedoc thanks Roadshow Films for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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