As a long-time fan of Hugh Grant’s versatile acting career, I must say that his transformation from a romantic comedy heartthrob to a character actor has been nothing short of captivating. From Oompa-Loompas to Tony the Tiger, he’s always managed to keep me entertained. Yet, it was his chilling portrayal of Mr. Reed in Heretic that truly stole the show for me.
Hugh Grant has had an outstanding career, becoming synonymous with classic romantic comedies such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Love Actually. Yet, he’s successfully transformed into a versatile character actor, keeping audiences captivated whether he’s portraying an Oompa-Loompa in Willy Wonka or Tony the Tiger in Unfrosted. He’s no stranger to taking on villainous roles, with appearances in Paddington 2, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and Operation Fortune. Currently, he is playing a Heretic in a gripping horror-thriller produced by A24.
In the immersive world of Heretic, I step into the shoes of a pair of Mormon teens, skillfully portrayed by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East. We knock on doors, spreading the word about our faith, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The conversations we have with people from different denominations feel a bit alien to us as we delve into topics like pornography and sexuality. The screenplay is a masterpiece because it refrains from passing judgment on us; instead, it’s the other characters who do so. Small, intimate moments between us reveal not just our friendship but also how our experiences with faith, including The Book of Mormon, have shaped us.
When the Sisters visit Mr. Reed’s house, where he informs them of his wife making blueberry pie in the oven, they step inside. Yet, as Mr. Reed starts questioning their faith, the girls gradually comprehend that they might be trapped forever. The movie opts for an audacious approach by not initially presenting itself as a horror film. Many modern horror films rush into horror elements, often starting with a frightening opening scene. However, this film takes its time, avoiding any immediate scares. Instead, it focuses on developing Mr. Reed’s character, making him seem friendly and approachable. The Sisters find him easy to converse with due to his amiable demeanor.
However, the character doesn’t maintain this intriguing facade for long. It’s thrilling to observe a renowned actor immerse himself wholeheartedly into a wicked role, devouring the scenery in the process. In this case, Grant appears to be relishing every moment of it. Instead of portraying the character as a stereotypical villain, he mentioned during a post-screening discussion that he approached Mr. Reed’s characterization as a likable college professor and delved into the psychology of actual serial killers who used their charisma as a deadly weapon. His performance is outstanding in this film. At times, viewers might even forget that he’s playing the villain, not just because of his captivating portrayal, but also due to the thought-provoking dialogue that offers a unique, multi-layered perspective on organized religion. Some viewers may find themselves sympathizing with his viewpoint.
The movie, while not overly horror-focused, provides a balanced perspective. Character Sister Barnes, portrayed by Thatcher, frequently questions his viewpoints as much as he does theirs. The film isn’t primarily about delivering consistent thrills and jump scares; instead, it encourages deeper thought on its themes. “Heretic” offers a distorted, unsettling exploration of the consequences when two devout Mormons encounter someone who contradicts their core beliefs. Interestingly, the movie incorporates humor effectively, making Grant’s performance not just dark and chilling, but also surprisingly funny.
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods ventured into uncharted territory with this complex, thought-provoking film, showcasing their knack for transforming basic ideas into potent suspense and emotion, as evident in the original A Quiet Place. In the past, they’ve dabbled in diverse genres such as superficial sci-fi thrills (65), found footage trends of the mid-2010s (Nightlight), and adapting a Stephen King novel (The Boogeyman, 2023). With Heretic, they’ve crafted something distinctively unique from their previous works, and their efforts here are truly commendable.
Heretic’s method of blending humor with complex concepts is incredibly clever. Sometimes, it seems as though Mr. Reed is delivering an extended lecture on religion, which can be challenging. However, the film manages to make these heavy topics accessible by likening religion to games like Monopoly. Furthermore, Mr. Reed draws additional comparisons to various other contexts, making the material both informative and intriguingly dark due to the grim circumstances portrayed in the story.
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SCORE: 7/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 7 signifies “Good.” This indicates an enjoyable and successful piece of entertainment that you might want to explore. However, its appeal could vary among different individuals.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Heretic review.
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2024-11-08 01:40