Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’s Heretic is an impressive psychological thriller from 2024 that leans on atmospheric tension and captivating performances to leave a lasting impact on its viewers. Centred around two young Mormon missionaries, Sisters Barnes and Paxton (played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East), the film sets a slow-burn tone, unfolding when the two seek shelter in the seemingly warm home of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), a character who combines a scholarly intellect with chilling, sinister intentions.

Hugh Grant delivers a standout performance as Mr. Reed, a man whose intellectual charm and understated menace make him a refreshingly atypical horror villain. His polite exterior and intellectual prowess give the film its eerie potency, as he begins to unravel the missionaries’ faith, exploiting his knowledge of religious history and philosophy to trap and test them psychologically. Grant’s disarming wit and affable charm are cleverly twisted into something far more menacing as the tension escalates, making his character a memorable addition to the horror genre. Reviewers have noted that this character is a departure from Grant’s earlier, lighter roles, with his performance here marking one of his darkest and most engaging to date.

Thatcher and East also shine as the two young women whose faith and determination are pushed to the limits. The film’s claustrophobic setting—the interior of Reed’s home—is crafted with meticulous detail to heighten the sense of entrapment. The house itself almost becomes a character, with locked doors and misleading details that further the protagonists’ sense of isolation. The production design and Chung-hoon Chung’s cinematography are well-complimented, lending the house a gothic, unsettling atmosphere that underscores the protagonists’ increasingly desperate predicament.

Although Heretic succeeds in its suspenseful first half, critics have pointed out that its tension does wane somewhat in the latter half, where it transitions into more conventional horror tropes. However, this doesn’t detract from its overall impact, as the movie’s cerebral take on horror—using philosophical debate and subtle terror—is still a fresh contribution to the genre. With a slow but methodical build-up, Heretic offers viewers a uniquely intellectual horror experience that reflects on themes of faith, doubt, and manipulation without relying heavily on jump scares or gore.

IHeretic is an intelligently crafted thriller that’s as thought-provoking as it is chilling, showcasing standout performances and a haunting storyline that resonates long after the credits roll. For fans of psychological horror, it stands as one of 2024’s most intriguing films.