Verdict: 4.5/5
Hugh Grant’s new flick ‘Heretic’ is branded and promoted as a horror film, and that’s certainly accurate when looked at in its entirety, but it plays much more like a psychological thriller.
In fact for a good 90 minutes or so you could argue this isn’t a horror at all, but the pay-off for fans of the genre certainly comes as the film concludes.
We’re introduced straight away to two young members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East).
The introduction to the pair only lasts all of five minutes before we get into the action, but it’s a superb set-up – and we’re immediately intrigued by their story and attached to the characters, which is a credit to creators Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
The two Sisters arrive on the doorstep of Mr Reed (Hugh Grant), who has requested more information about the church.
As they enter his home with a storm cracking outside, the tension begins. It’s pretty clear straight away that something isn’t right here, and as much as they want to have faith in their fellow man, both girls start to feel uneasy.
What follows is an intense ride full of sensational monologues from Grant (who really owns the film), questions that will make you ponder religion and its history, and an incredible story about Monopoly that will have you heading straight to Google afterwards.
This ‘Saw’-like flick is almost a five out of five for me, but the ending just doesn’t quite hit as good as it could have. Still, this is a pulsating must-see.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.