Mumbai (Harshit Yadav), December 15: Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, ‘Heretic’ is a psychological horror that will leave you questioning not just the characters’ faith but your own perception of belief and control.
Heretic is a movie that fans of psychological horrors might expect and walk in thinking that they’ll see the usual horror scenes, but the movie does not rely on this. Instead of ghostlike spirits or kids under the power of the dark, the fear factor comes from the human intellect— in short, a superb manipulator who makes belief serve his immoral intent.
Heretic is initially a very simple idea: Two young women, Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), come to a man named Mr Reed (Hugh Grant) who was asked to his home, hoping they will convert him. The story starts as a minute-long chat about the truth of the situation and rapidly becomes a gripping story of the mental imprisonment of the women as they find themselves in Mr Reed’s claustrophobic house, not able to escape. Apart from this being a tale of the evil influence of power and the skewing of a pure heart to guilt, it also speaks to the fact that we are so easily fooled into the illusion of salvation.
The whole movie kicks off a superficial dialogue between the two women who, in spite of their holy life, seem to be between their dedication and their personal misgivings. The theme of sex and pornography that might be unexpected in a religious sphere, ironically, is the means of a humorous and provocative critique of systematics and hypocrisies. We see here that these two women are not quite sure of themselves, and this becomes their main vulnerability as the drama unfolds.
Their actual confrontation occurs at Mr. Reed’s abode. The door is still not open, and the conversation catches a darker note. Through the use of time, the movie nicely frames the tension it builds at the start when the women are welcome, but at the end, they are strangled by the four walls. It is a quick transformation from a cheerful exchange to a tough footing, and it is exactly this breathing of suspense that gets the movie-going. The viewer knows something is terribly wrong, but the true horror of Mr. Reed’s intentions isn’t revealed until much later.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Mr. Reed is no ordinary man—he is a self-proclaimed heretic with a disturbing philosophy. He believes that control is the highest form of religion, twisting conventional beliefs to serve his own purposes. The film explores various thought-provoking concepts, such as simulation theory, the Butterfly Dream, and the Prayer Experiment. These philosophical ideas, while intriguing, could overwhelm the audience at times, but they are masterfully woven into the narrative, leaving the viewer to ponder their implications long after the credits roll.
The performances are undoubtedly the film’s strongest suit. Chloe East, as Sister Paxton, brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability that makes her character’s eventual realization of her plight all the more tragic. Sophie Thatcher’s Sister Barnes, on the other hand, exudes determination and resourcefulness, playing the perfect counterpoint to Paxton’s idealism. But it’s Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed that truly steals the show. Known for his charming, lovable roles, Grant’s portrayal of a calm yet sinister intellectual is both unsettling and compelling. His deep philosophical rants, comparing Christianity to a mere knockoff of Judaism, are both witty and chilling, showcasing his character’s disturbing intelligence.
Heretic excels at creating a palpable sense of dread without relying on jump scares or supernatural elements. Instead, it explores the psychological terror of being trapped and manipulated, where the real monster is not a demon but a man with a warped sense of power. The movie builds tension through atmosphere and character dynamics, making it a refreshing take on the psychological horror genre.
However, the pacing in the first half of the movie could feel slow to some viewers. The film relies heavily on conversations and philosophical debates, which may alienate those expecting more action or traditional horror elements. Still, once the narrative gains momentum, the unsettling nature of the story takes hold, making it hard to look away.
In conclusion, Heretic is a dark, thought-provoking psychological horror that will stick with you long after it ends. It isn’t a conventional horror movie, but for those willing to dive into a deeper, more cerebral type of terror, it offers an unsettling exploration of control, belief, and manipulation. The stellar performances and unique narrative make this film a standout in the genre—one that challenges your perception of fear and belief.
