The Halloween season of 2024 brought a wave of attractive horror films to the big screen. From Smile 2 to the third installment of Terrifier and the chilling Speak No Evil adaptation, these films held audiences’ attention and kept the box office alive.
However, even though All Hallow’s Eve has ended, that does not mean the horror genre is slowing down. The second half of 2024 continues to promise more fear-filled releases, with Heretic being one of the most highly anticipated films.
Heretic is a new horror film produced by the iconic independent film studio A24. The film marks an exciting collaboration between Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the talented filmmakers behind A Quiet Place and The Miracle Season.
Heretic is set to add another thrilling chapter to the religious horror genre, one that has had some strong entries in recent years.
The film has already gained attention for its dark and eerie premise, its talented cast, and Hugh Grant’s villainous turn as the central antagonist, Mr. Reed.
The story of Heretic promises to pull viewers deep into a chilling game of faith, fear, and the sinister unknown.
With all the buzz surrounding the film, here is everything you need to know about Heretic, including its release details, where to watch it, and why you should be excited for it.
What is ‘Heretic’ About?
Heretic takes audiences on a twisted ride through the complexities of religion, faith, and the consequences of blindly following dogma. The film centers on two young missionaries who are sent to spread their faith.
When they arrive at a seemingly ordinary house, they meet Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, a man who appears kind at first but quickly reveals his dark, diabolical nature.
The plot follows these two missionaries as they find themselves trapped in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Mr. Reed. He manipulates and challenges their faith in disturbing ways, testing their beliefs and forcing them to prove their commitment to God.
As the two missionaries face off against Reed, they realize that their faith is being torn apart, piece by piece, in ways that they could never have imagined.
What starts as a simple mission to spread the word of their faith turns into a nightmare of religious doubts, moral questioning, and terrifying confrontations with the forces of evil.
In terms of tone, Heretic combines elements of traditional religious horror with a fresh perspective. The film takes a critical look at organized religion, showing the dangers of blind faith, manipulation, and the hypocrisy that often hides behind religious authority.
It’s a chilling commentary on how faith can be twisted into something dark and dangerous when it’s controlled by the wrong people.
At the same time, Heretic also mixes in some dark humor, particularly through the performance of Hugh Grant, which brings a unique layer to the film’s sinister atmosphere.
The Cast and Characters: Hugh Grant’s Villainous Role
One of the most exciting aspects of Heretic is Hugh Grant’s performance as Mr. Reed. Known for his charming and affable roles in romantic comedies, Grant has recently taken on darker roles in films like Paddington 2 and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
In Heretic, Grant completely embraces his villainous side, bringing a refreshing energy to the genre. His portrayal of Mr. Reed is chilling, charismatic, and darkly funny.
Mr. Reed is a complex character. On the surface, he seems like an ordinary man, perhaps even a welcoming host.
However, as the missionaries spend more time with him, they realize that he is a twisted individual who takes pleasure in manipulating their beliefs and testing their commitment.
Grant brings a certain devilish charm to the character, making him both terrifying and fascinating. He delivers his lines with a mix of enthusiasm and menace, turning what could have been a typical horror villain into something much more intriguing.
The two missionaries at the center of the film are played by Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher. Both actresses bring depth and vulnerability to their roles as young women who must confront their deepest fears and question everything they’ve been taught.
East and Thatcher’s performances are key to the emotional weight of the film, as their characters go through a journey of self-discovery and face the unsettling realization that their faith may not be enough to protect them from the horrors they’re about to encounter.
The Themes of ‘Heretic’: Faith, Doubt, and Power
One of the main themes of Heretic is the shown of faith and the dangers that arise when belief is manipulated by powerful individuals. The film delves into the dark side of religion, showing how easily faith can be twisted to control others.
Mr. Reed is a prime example of this manipulation. He uses the missionaries’ devotion to their beliefs against them, pushing them to question their faith and their understanding of morality.
The film’s setting—a seemingly ordinary house—becomes a claustrophobic space where the missionaries’ faith is tested. The tension builds as Mr. Reed engages in long, chilling monologues that challenge their worldview.
In these moments, Heretic uses dialogue as a weapon, with Reed’s speeches designed to break down the missionaries’ resolve.
Grant’s performance in these scenes is particularly memorable, as he takes the audience through a series of unsettling ideas that make them question the very nature of faith, belief, and religious authority.
In addition to the scheme of faith, Heretic also touches on themes of power and control. The film illustrates how people in positions of power can manipulate others for their own gain.
Mr. Reed is not only testing the missionaries’ faith but also exerting control over them, forcing them to bend to his will. This dynamic is shown in a way that highlights the dangers of absolute authority, particularly within the context of religion.
‘Heretic’ Trailer and First Impressions
The first trailer for Heretic was released in early October 2024, giving fans a view into the unsettling atmosphere of the film.
The trailer sets up a haunting tone, with eerie visuals and unsettling sound design that perfectly capture the film’s dark themes.
As viewers watch the trailer, they are introduced to Mr. Reed’s twisted personality and the growing tension between him and the two missionaries.
Collider’s Ross Bonaime had the chance to watch Heretic at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he praised the film for its tense build-up and powerful performances. The film excels in its first two acts, with a particularly memorable performance by Hugh Grant.
He describes Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed as “one of the year’s most memorable performances.” Bonaime also highlights the film’s scheme of religious themes, calling it a “clever twist on the religious horror genre.”
The first impressions of the film suggest that it will be a standout entry in the genre, thanks in large part to its fresh perspective and the strong performances of its cast.
Where to Watch ‘Heretic’
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the streaming release of Heretic. However, considering the buzz surrounding the film and its likely success at the box office, it seems inevitable that the film will eventually make its way to streaming platforms.
Given that Heretic is an A24 production, it is highly likely that the film will be available on HBO Max, which is the streaming home for many of A24’s other films.
These include popular titles like Midsommar, Love Lies Bleeding, and Hereditary, all of which are available for subscribers to watch.
HBO Max offers a few different subscription plans, so here’s a quick breakdown of the options:
- With Ads: This plan provides unlimited, ad-supported access to films and TV shows on HBO Max. It allows two devices to stream content at once and offers full HD 1080p resolution. The price is $9.99 per month.
- Ad-Free: For $15.99 per month, this plan offers unlimited, ad-free access to the full catalog of films and shows on HBO Max. It also allows streaming on two devices at once and provides full HD 1080p resolution. Additionally, you can download up to 30 titles to watch offline.
- Ultimate Ad-Free: This top-tier plan costs $19.99 per month and offers unlimited, ad-free access to all HBO Max content. It allows streaming on up to four devices at once and supports 4K UHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR 10 resolution on selected titles. You can also download up to 100 titles to watch offline.
For those without an HBO Max subscription, there will likely be other ways to watch Heretic, either through a digital purchase or rental. Details about this will be announced closer to the film’s release date.
Release Date for ‘Heretic’
Heretic made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 8, 2024. After its successful festival run, the film is set for its U.S. theatrical release on November 8, 2024.
This is the date that fans can expect to see the film on the big screen, but Heretic has already been released in other parts of the world, including the UK, where Hugh Grant is particularly popular.
The film’s November 8 release in the U.S. is highly anticipated by horror fans, who are eager to see how the film will stack up against other horror releases this year.
Given the buzz surrounding the film and the success of similar A24 productions, it’s likely that Heretic will become a must-watch film for anyone interested in the horror genre.
Heretic is shaping up to be one of the most exciting horror films of 2024. With its dark themes, chilling performances, and a standout villainous role by Hugh Grant, it is sure to be a must-watch for fans of religious horror.
Whether you’re a fan of Grant’s work or simply enjoy thought-provoking and tense horror films, Heretic offers something for everyone.
With its U.S. release scheduled for November 8, 2024, Heretic will soon be available for audiences to experience on the big screen.
After its theatrical run, it’s likely to be available for streaming on HBO Max, making it easily accessible to viewers at home.
Until then, make sure to watch the trailer and prepare yourself for a terrifying and unforgettable journey into the dark side of faith.
