Heretic

2024 - 11 - 8

Hugh Grant: From Charming Romantic to Sinister Villain in 'Heretic'!

A24 - demonization of faith - Heretic film - horror movies - Hugh Grant - missionaries - psychological thriller - religion in film - Sister Barnes - Sister Paxton

Dive into the devilishly delightful world of 'Heretic' where Hugh Grant charms and chills as a sinister character!

Ready to have your perception of Hugh Grant flipped upside down? In A24's latest horror-thriller, "Heretic," the beloved British actor trades in his charming romantic comedies for something a bit more sinister. Arguably entering his 'evil freaks' era, Grant plays the role of Mr. Reed—a beguiling but menacing character who throws a couple of unsuspecting Mormon missionaries into an unexpected horror story. Rising stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East portray Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, two young missionaries whose typical day of spreading the good word quickly spirals into a chilling game of cat-and-mouse as they find themselves trapped in Reed's remote home during a snowstorm.

The film cleverly weaves together elements of horror and religious debate, offering both thrills and thought-provoking discussions. Many viewers have been buzzing about how the clashing ideologies between Mr. Reed and the missionaries not only lead to tense moments but also evoke questions surrounding faith and morality. As the plot unfolds, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton grapple with terrifying consequences while trying to maintain their composure against an increasingly unpredictable adversary. Perhaps the film's most commendable aspect is its performance—a trio of actors committed to their dynamic, where charming banter quickly turns to profound fear.

Strumming along with the sharp exchanges, critics have largely praised the film for its taut screenplay and clever utilization of symbolism. Within the cozy yet encased setting of Reed's home, the story delves into bigger themes. The claustrophobic atmosphere serves as a reflection of the internal struggles faced by the characters, blending character-driven horror with crucial discussions about religion and belief systems. It's a terrifying yet resonant inquiry into what happens when our convictions meet chaotic experiences—and what one might do to defend their ideals.

As audiences embark on this hellish journey, many have engaged with the concept of the 'final girl'—a common trope in horror films where the last female character usually figures out how to overcome the antagonist. In case you're wondering about the origins of these tropes, the intriguing dynamic set into motion in "Heretic" pays homage to horror's rich history of survival against unparalleled odds. Did you know that the concept of turning stereotypical tropes on their heads has become one of the hallmarks of modern horror cinema? Hugh Grant's shocking reign as a villain not only showcases his versatility but also underlines an exciting shift in storytelling where heroes aren’t always who we expect them to be.

In a further twist, "Heretic" marks another unique project from A24, a studio known for its creativity and edge in the horror genre. This film stands as an innovative mix of chills, thrills, and philosophical exploration, guaranteeing that even the most avid inquiries into horror might find something new to ponder. So grab the popcorn, cuddle up, and prepare for an electrifying experience that challenges the very essence of belief!

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Image courtesy of "Church Times"

Film review: Heretic (Church Times)

The Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) face such devilish questions from the beguiling Mr Reed — Hugh Grant ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

'Heretic' star Hugh Grant talks his 'evil freaks' era and 'Bridget Jones ... (USA TODAY)

Hugh Grant's career as a leading man was built on rom-coms, but he's loving his current villain era, including a sinister role in "Heretic."

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

'Heretic review: Hugh Grant turns his affability into menace (Los Angeles Times)

Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East and a perversely charming Hugh Grant commit to a deftly acted, somewhat predictable horror movie set in a remote house with ...

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Image courtesy of "IGN Southeast Asia"

Heretic Ending Explained: What Is the One True Religion? (IGN Southeast Asia)

Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) arrive at Mr. Reed's (Hugh Grant) home right as a blizzard starts to hit. The seemingly kind man ...

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

'Heretic' Reviews: Horror Thriller Scares Up Stellar Critics' Score (Forbes)

Heretic”—a horror thriller starring Hugh Grant in an atypical villain role—earns high praise from critics. Find out what they have to say about the new A24 ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC 4"

New horror movie Heretic has people talking about missionary safety (ABC 4)

A24's Heretic stars Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East. It's about two missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, played by ...

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Image courtesy of "Deseret News"

The 'final girl': Why the writers of 'Heretic' made sister missionaries ... (Deseret News)

There will be many differing opinions about “Heretic,” the horror movie hitting theaters this week about a man trapping two sister missionaries of The Church of ...

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Hugh Grant plays cat-and-mouse with Mormon missionaries in ... (The Washington Post)

A24's latest talky, provocative horror film offers religious debate, gruesome frights and the promise of pie.

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

In the thrilling 'Heretic,' Hugh Grant is in his peak-villain era (NPR)

In the claustrophobic thriller Heretic, two young Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) knock on the door of a charming man played by Hugh ...

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Image courtesy of "WUNC"

Hugh Grant shows his dark side in 'Heretic' (WUNC)

In the new horror film Heretic, two young Mormon missionaries knock on the door of someone we know only as Mr. Reed (played by Hugh Grant).

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Image courtesy of "knkx.org"

Hugh Grant shows his dark side in 'Heretic' (knkx.org)

In the new horror film Heretic, two young Mormon missionaries knock on the door of someone we know only as Mr. Reed (played by Hugh Grant).

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Image courtesy of "IGN Nordic"

Heretic Ending Explained: What Is the One True Religion? (IGN Nordic)

Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) arrive at Mr. Reed's (Hugh Grant) home right as a blizzard starts to hit. The seemingly kind man ...

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Image courtesy of "25YearsLaterSite.com"

Heretic Puts a Pair of Missionaries Through the Religious Wringer (25YearsLaterSite.com)

Heretic was written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, and it stars Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East. In the film, Sister Paxton and Sister ...

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Hugh Grant shows his dark side in 'Heretic' (NPR)

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Sophie ...

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Image courtesy of "Dailyuw"

Review: 'Heretic' (Dailyuw)

Scary religious elements are a trope seen in an overwhelming number of horror movies: “The Exorcist,” “The Omen” — the list goes on.

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Image courtesy of "Mashable"

'Heretic' review: Hugh Grant and horror are a match made in heaven ... (Mashable)

Hugh Grant stars alongside Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher in A24's "Heretic," in theaters November 8.

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Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

'Heretic' Proves That Evil Hugh Grant Is the Best Hugh Grant (Rolling Stone)

The British actor's unsettling take on a religiously pious man who tests two missionaries' faith is the main reason to see this A24 horror flick.

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Heretic Star Explains Sister Paxton's Reaction To Major Sister ... (Screen Rant)

EXCLUSIVE: Heretic's Chloe East, who plays Sister Paxton in the A24 film, explains what energy she harnessed to capture Paxton's ending reaction.

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

Where to Watch 'Heretic': When Does the A24 Horror Film Come Out? (TheWrap)

After making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, it's ready to open theaters doors in the U.S. on Friday.

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Heretic's Sister Barnes Star Sophie Thatcher Reveals Reactions To ... (Screen Rant)

EXCLUSIVE: Heretic star Sophie Thatcher explains how people have been reacting to the film's major twist regarding her character, Sister Barnes.

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Box Office: 'Heretic' Makes $1.2 Million in Thursday Previews (Variety)

Halloween may be over, but the scares keep on coming. A24 and Hugh Grant's new horror movie “Heretic” is launching at the box office this weekend, ...

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

'Heretic' Stirs Up $1.2M In Previews, 'Venom 3' Crossing $100M ... (Deadline)

Heretic, the A24 R-rated horror movie from A Quiet Place scribes Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, began its journey this weekend with $1.2M in previews last ...

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Image courtesy of "Bloody Disgusting"

5 of This Week's Coolest Horror Collectibles Including A24's 'Heretic ... (Bloody Disgusting)

Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and.

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Image courtesy of "TIME"

<I>Heretic</I> Star Chloe East on the A24 Horror Thriller's ... (TIME)

Chloe East stars as Mormon missionary Sister Paxton in A24's new religiously themed horror thriller.

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Image courtesy of "Salt Lake Tribune"

'Heretic' review: Religion — particularly the Latter-day Saint faith ... (Salt Lake Tribune)

(A24) Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant, center) presents two missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Sister Paxton (Chloe East, left) and Sister ...

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Image courtesy of "Vulture"

'Heretic' Ending, Explained: A Flawed Case for Religion (Vulture)

A24's new horror movie 'Heretic,' starring Hugh Grant, crackles as a showcase for a sadist's critiques of religion. But it's far less compelling when it ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Meet Chloe East, the breakout star of new religious horror movie ... (USA TODAY)

Chloe East has worked for Steven Spielberg and counts Amy Adams as a mentor. Her first lead role in "Heretic" shows she's also a star on the rise.

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Image courtesy of "OSU - The Lantern"

Movie review: 'Heretic' starts hot then fizzles out (OSU - The Lantern)

It's easy to imagine that one of the more terrifying scenarios a woman can conjure up is being trapped in a room with a man and forced to endure an endless ...

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

'Heretic' Ending Explained: Filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan ... (TheWrap)

A24's latest high-minded horror movie follows a pair of adorable Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who arrive ...

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Image courtesy of "KCCI Des Moines"

Movie Review: 'Heretic' (KCCI Des Moines)

Sisters Barnes and Paxton (Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East) are performing their missionary duties for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a small ...

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