Two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), knock on the door of a seemingly mild-mannered man named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), hoping to share their scripture. Reed invites them in under the guise that his wife is also home. What follows is a tense, psychological game of cat and mouse one that delves deep into questions of faith, morality, and the darker corners of the human psyche.

Let me start by saying this: Heretic ranks as my favorite film of 2024/2025. If you're a fan of horror that challenges your perception of reality and makes you think long after the credits roll, then Heretic is likely to hit just as hard for you as it did for me.

I’ve always admired Hugh Grant’s work, but wow this role might just be his most chilling yet. He’s evolving into such a fascinating actor, reinventing himself with darker, more layered roles like in The Undoing. In Heretic, he radiates unsettling charisma, his performance growing more unhinged and disturbing with each passing scene. Mr. Reed is a masterclass in restrained menace, and Grant delivers it flawlessly.

Sophie Thatcher is equally superb as Sister Barnes grounded, fierce, and emotionally complex. She and Chloe East (Sister Paxton) have fantastic chemistry, and their dynamic with Grant creates a palpable tension that drives the entire film. While Sophie’s character initially carries the emotional weight, Chloe’s performance grows steadily stronger, culminating in a powerful presence that brings the story full circle.

The film’s philosophical dissection of religion and its shared roots is genuinely gripping. But once the "door" is chosen (you'll know when), the narrative descends into an eerie, mind-bending spiral that leaves you questioning everything. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place), Heretic proves they’re not just playing in the horror genre they’re redefining it.

Final Verdict

Heretic is a must-watch. It won’t be for everyone this is a film that demands attention and interpretation. It doesn’t spoon-feed the audience; instead, it invites you to peel back its many layers. For me, this is one of those rare films I could re-watch endlessly and still uncover new meaning every time.

And Hugh Grant? More horror, please. He’s an unexpected but absolute delight in this space.

• Directors
  • Scott Beck
  • Bryan Woods
• Writers
  • Scott Beck
  • Bryan Woods
• Stars
  • Hugh Grant
  • Sophie Thatcher
  • Chloe East