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    Heretic
review by Bobby Blakey

Throughout his career Hugh Grant has taken on a variety of roles in the world of romantic comedies, dramas and even some action films, but not sure he has ever done a horror film. That is what intrigued me so much about his latest film, Heretic, co-starring Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East and Topher Grace. Could Grant shine in this genre, or will it struggle to find its faith in the material?

 

Heretic follows two young missionaries who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

 

I have been compelled by this trailer since the first time I ever saw it with it offering up a pretty straight scenario, but still plenty of questions to why and where it is headed. The film has a simple set up allowing the audience to get a sense of who these two girls are prior to arriving at Mr. Reed’s house. Once there the tone shifts a bit to a more uncomfortable environment even when nothing sinister has begun.

 

The simple conversations between Grant, Thatcher and East carry this movie into some brilliant dialogue, mostly carried by Grant. The movie could have spent the entire time in this same situation of discussing religion theology and faith and would have still been great. As the seemingly normal discussion gets more and more uncomfortable it turns even more genius thanks to both Grant’s sinister performance and the attention to detail in the subject matter.

 

Before the mysterious doors come into play the film continues to build the unnerving element of the unknown while Grant spins dialogue that is intelligent, informative and pure evil all at once. There is plenty here that could spark discussions in individual beliefs and theories in an intelligent way if people are willing to listen amidst the chaotic story that is unfolding. I was

concerned this great part of the film might get undone if it goes too far off the tracks as it reveals the true nature of Mr. Reed’s game.

 

On the surface things get seemingly more supernatural and dive deeper into the religious elements but I was so happy that within the almost outrageous nature of where it goes it is grounded in reality that in turn makes it work so much better. This isn’t a scary movie in the sense of usual horror, but instead might be more unnerving to some in the subject matter and context it is executed. The ending worked for me and had so many impactful directions in relation to the initial discussions and religion faith.

 

This was one of those unexpected movies that delivered what I had hoped for, but in a much different way. Grant is superb and hope this is just the first of him dipping his toes into the horror genre. He chews up the scenery to perfection and is such a joy to watch here from beginning to end.

Decide for yourself and check out Heretic in theaters now.

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