Heretic

Horror isn’t just about blood and jump-scares -And Heretic proves to be a true horror experience, made from heavy dialogue and unsettling characters.

A24 has delivered one of the year’s eeriest films, led by an amazing cast. Hugh Grant, in possibly his best role yet, infuses his British wicked charm into a very chilling villain.

So, what’s Heretic about? It follows Mormon missionaries, Sisters Barnes and Paxton (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East), whose visit to a stranger’s home - Mr. Reed (Grant) - tests their faith and convictions in an unexpectedly terrifying way. 

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods directed Heretic, Which critiques faith, authority, and individual beliefs through a psychological and mind-game lens. The film probes how power and ideology are weaponized when religious missions face challenges in unpredictable ways.

Mr. Reed is the perfect antagonist, embodies an intellectual elitism that manipulates and challenges the girls’ beliefs, symbolizing authoritarianism and critique of organized religious systems, as well as our political and war culture. His monologues explore the ethical limits of enforced reliance systems, questioning institutions that suppress dissent or interpretation - raising timely questions about government and personal autonomy.

The film’s strength lies in its exploration of how doctrine and charisma can control and exploit without falling into simplistic anti-religion tropes. Instead, Heretic leaves audiences unsettled, contemplating the roots of credence and the void left when faith erodes. In a tense cat-and-mouse game, it illustrates how rigid ideologies can trap people in dead-end arguments, mirroring modern conflicts where dialogue breaks down into power struggles.

The movie blends horror with philosophical depth, leaving viewers pondering control on its critique of faith, despite not being straightforward but thought-provoking, examining how societal pressures can distort genuine confidence. Heretic’s horror elements resonate as a meditation on political and ideological power.

A standout theme is the resilience of the female protagonists, breaking horror tropes by giving Sisters Barnes and Paxton active, no-victim roles. Chloe East’s portrayal of Sister Paxton evolves from naive to complex, embodying strength amid Reed’s psychological torment. Their survival hinges on resisting Mr. Reed's evil games, reflecting women’s broader struggle for agency under oppressive forces.

Although the film stumbles briefly before its enigmatic ending - leaving room for multiple interpretations, with its meaning subtly woven into dialogue and imagery - this minor lapse doesn’t lessen its impact.

Heretic uses horror and symbolism to critique manipulation and gendered power, resonating on multiple levels with a powerful message about women’s resilience in the face of ideological control. 

However, I would emphasize that…this is not a feminist or anti-patriarchal film. Rather, the female roles serve as a “peephole” which examines the human condition, portraying humanity as a vulnerable species with little control over their lives. 

The characters are depicted as burdened by ideologies and ethical doctrines imposed by those in power, aiming to dehumanize through religious constructs. 

Although the main focus of the film is on religion, it conveys a much deeper message that extends beyond mere criticism of religious beliefs.