Title: Heretic (2024)
Director(s): Scott Beck & Bryan Woods
Rating: R
Genre(s): Psychological Horror, Thriller
Duration: 1hr 5Omins
Stars: Hugh Grant Sophie Thatcher Chloe East
When two sister missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton from The Church of Latter-Day Saints respond to the inquiry of a gentleman, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), it soon becomes evident that Mr. Reed has something much more sinister in mind than just a discussion about religion.
Heretic’s characters’ Sister Paxton, Sister Barnes and Mr. Reed are individuals with intriguing backgrounds upon closer inspection. Each person depicts reflects states of a person in their spiritual journey.
Sister Paxton comes from a typical Mormon family; one of 8 daughters born and raised in a Mormon
household in Utah (an American state that is the center of Mormon culture and influence). Paxton has very little experience of the outside world and her naivety is evident in her overenthusiasm in sharing the Good News with Mr. Reed. Her judgment is
clouded by her passion in sharing her faith that she doesn’t notice his unusual behaviors until it was too late. Paxton is the embodiment of a sheltered believer, one who hasn’t encountered circumstances that challenge her faith. A polar opposite to Sister Barnes.
Sister Barnes on the other hand is a convert originally from Philadelphia. She, an outsider who has seen the
harsh realities of life and is more observant and mature. She immediately senses that something is wrong after Mr. Reed does not bring his wife out to meet them. Additionally, she asks questions and make statements that bring Mr. Reed’s attention away from his engrossing conversation about religion. Sister Barnes is a grounded believer – one who believes in God but does not disregard facts. Her alertness to her surroundings is in direct conflict with
Mr. Reed’s manipulative tactics.
Mr. Reed is one who is disillusioned by organized religion and zealous in proving his newfound philosophies to followers of any faith even if those methods go against moral values. Despite studying various religions overtime, he has since deconstructed his beliefs and is now focused on proving that all religions are controlling.
Heretic may be offensive to religious groups as it portrays difficult discussions about faith, in particular about The Church of Latter-Day Saints.
Additionally, it may trigger individuals who have suffered from religious trauma.
Otherwise, for fans of psychological horrors and thrillers, Heretic could be a new addition to your favorites list.