Horrors come in all shapes and sizes. From the gore-fest like the Hostel franchise or the Terrifier films to the body horror of The Substance, to the demonic possession of The Exorcist or ghost stories like The Amityville Horror. Then some play with the genre, give us something much more thoughtful, and don’t rely on shocks and blood to provide us with the scares. Heretic falls into that category. A film that takes its time to build up tension and dread and then plays with the characters involved as if they are toys in a deadly game. It’s a clever, intelligent film with a lead performance that is a true revelation.

Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton arrive at a house to spread the word of the Mormon faith to Mr Reed, the homeowner. After convincing the girls that his wife is cooking a pie and that they are perfectly safe, they are invited in. From that point on, they have become pawns in Mr Reed’s twisted game, which plays with the girls’ beliefs. The only way out is honesty.

Writers and director Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who wrote the script of A Quiet Place along with John Krasinski, know how to build tension, and they do a magnificent job here. You know, from the second the girls arrive and are invited into Mr Reed’s world, they will not have an easy ride. What does work is that you immediately remove the idea of the obvious: two young girls in the home of an older man. Instead, as soon as the conversation starts about their religious beliefs, you know that Mr Reed is a scholar and something else is happening.

The first half of the film is just the three players conversing about the various religions and their own experiences with the Mormon faith, and they compare the different religious groups with Monopoly (I kid you not). This slow-building tension works because this isn’t a chance to ridicule the religions but to examine them. This is a theological argument between a man of learning and two naive girls. It’s when the girls start putting together that they are trapped, and there is something more sinister going on that the film turns, not to blood and gore, but more mind-games and an elaborate escape room.

What makes this film work so well is the writing. The script is razor sharp and offers plenty to enjoy, whether it be deep theology or pop culture. For example, there is a terrific section about lawsuits between The Hollies (The Air That I Breathe is used to excellent effect), Radiohead, and Lara Del Ray! The film also never relies on cheap jump scares; instead, it is the creepy final act that works well, leading to a satisfying ending.

As I said, this is mainly a three-hander, with Sophie Thatcher from the TV series Yellowjackets and Chloe East from The Fablemans as the two messengers of the church. They are captivating and must show two young women caught in a deadly game they cannot control. The film would not work without these two girls being excellent and believable as they get deeper into the game Mr Reed set up. Strong futures are ahead for both of these young actresses.

The film’s crowning glory is casting Hugh Grant as Mr Reed. Yes, once again, he proves he is more than the fobbish rich kid from the romantic comedies he appeared in throughout his career. Here, he is truly terrifying. A man who comes across as gentle, caring and kind with an excellent mind for religious beliefs to a game player who has every angle worked out. If you thought his performance in Paddington 2 was outstanding, you haven’t seen anything yet. You can understand why he accepted the role, as it is glorious for an actor to play. Who would have thought that Hugh Grant and Jar jar Binks would be linked by a movie?

Those looking for shocks and jumps in a horror film will be disappointed by Heretic. Those who want something more intelligent and brilliantly performed from all will get a movie that will stay with you long after viewing it and one of the better horrors of 2024.

4 out of 5

Directors: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods

Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace, Elle Young

Written by: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods

Running Time: 111 mins

Cert: 15

Release date: 1st November 2024