Written By: Raghav Tandon
If you know me, you know I’m a huge fan of A24 movies. So, after hearing glowing reviews from people I trust and getting a few recommendations, I decided to watch Heretic without knowing much about it. And honestly? It blew me away. This isn’t just another horror movie—it’s a deep dive into belief, theology, and what it means to be human.
Heretic delivers a unique and unsettling twist on the horror/ thriller genre, masterfully blending religious themes with a sinister and suspenseful narrative. While not without its flaws, the film offers a captivating and thought-provoking experience that lingers, and makes you question the ending. It’s a fast-talking, fast-paced exploration of faith and personal beliefs that quickly spirals into something truly terrifying.
From the very first scene, Heretic establishes a tense and immersive atmosphere. Set entirely in a single location, the film uses this apparent limitation as a powerful storytelling device. The confined setting amplifies the sense of claustrophobia, allowing the sharp dialogue, intricate narrative, and performances.
The story centers on the lives of two young missionaries, capturing the often-overlooked challenges and dangers they face in their pursuit of faith and purpose. The film unfolds like an Agatha Christie book, rich in detail and atmosphere. The antagonist’s hospitality—disarmingly kind, deeply concerned, and eerily perceptive—adds an unsettling dynamic, as his attempts to connect with the monotheistic minds of the missionaries grow increasingly ominous.
At the same time, the missionaries’ spiritual journey serves as a compelling parallel, with the vessel of faith that carries them through the narrative proving equally impressive. It’s this duality—the comforting yet foreboding dialogue and the spiritual undertones—that elevates Heretic.
The film’s script is masterfully written, rich with layers of detail and clearly the product of meticulous research into religious history and theology. It has symbolisms often overlooked scattered through the screenplay. Whilst it doesn’t mock any particular belief system, it raises profound questions that invite critical examination of all religions without crossing the line into offensiveness. The questions posed by the film resonate deeply, encouraging reflection on why people believe what they do.
Performance-wise, Heretic has a lot to offer. Hugh Grant delivers a staggering performance as Mr. Reed, showcasing the depth and range he’s brought to his recent roles. While he was once known for his charming romantic comedies, this phase of his career reveals an actor with profound talent and variety. Chloe East, as Sister Paxton, delivers a good performance with a remarkable character arc, while Sophie Thatcher brings raw authenticity to her role, anchoring the emotional weight of the story.
The first half of the movie is exceptional, it had me glued, waiting to see how it all unfolds, feeling mildly uncomfortable, it explores belief, control, and human nature. The way it questions the origins of faith, juxtaposing instinct with programming, The philosophical depth stayed with my wife and I long after the credits rolled. In fact, we spent time discussing the movie afterward, the symbolisms and the outcomes.
Heretic is a thought-provoking exploration that challenges viewers to reflect on their own perspectives on faith and the power dynamics intertwined with it. At its core, Heretic is not just a story but a bold philosophical debate, littered with strong performances and masterfully wrapped in a gripping, atmospheric narrative.
The World of Movies Rating: 9/10
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