I really got enjoyment out of *Heretic*, and that’s largely due to the performers involved. The story itself provides amusement, certainly, though toward the finish it felt somewhat stretched—a feeling lessened by the strength of the acting. It's ultimately a diverting psychological horror film. Hugh Grant is excellent in the lead; he’s an actor with the talent for this kind of material. I’ve mentioned it previous…

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who previously directed 65 and Haunt and wrote A Quiet Place, brought us Heretic, a self-described psychological horror that falls short across the board. After seeing only one trailer months ago, I initially assumed Heretic would be about a serial killer (played by Hugh Grant) using an elaborate house filled with mouse traps to lure in and kill religious door-to-door visitors. While th…

Despite what some might claim, a fresh coat of paint can't transform a pig. This film unfortunately illustrates that point exactly; it's a disappointing effort at intelligent horror from the writer-director team of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The story follows two inexperienced Mormon missionaries, portrayed by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who visit the isolated home of an odd, talkative middle-aged man (Hugh Gran…

The movie “Heretic” introduces Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), missionaries dedicated to expanding their church’s following. Sister Paxton seems less experienced than Sister Barnes, who hails from the East Coast and joined through conversion, appearing more worldly-wise to her colleague. Driven by a desire for Sister Paxton to gain her first convert, they decide to visit Mr. Reed (H…

The movie manages to be disturbing, strange, ridiculous, and still completely engaging. It’s like a peculiar mix that somehow works well because of Grant’s exceptionally stylish depiction of evil. His acting lends a dark appeal to the proceedings, which softens the impact of the more extreme moments and gives them an almost elegant quality.

It’s likely many people have encountered those who try to share their beliefs, but few are as charming or persuasive as "Reed" (Hugh Grant) when the energetic sisters "Barnes" (Sophie Thatcher) and "Paxton" (Chloe East) show up at his door. The offer of a meeting with his wife and some blueberry pie draws them in, and they quickly find themselves engaged in an intense discussion that makes them uneasy. Their apprehen…