Hugh Grant is no longer the charming, love-struck Hugh we all remember from Notting Hill or Love, Actually. The A24 psychological thriller, Heretic features a villainous version of Grant we didn’t see coming, one that has left audiences buzzing. Forget romantic leads Grant’s performance in Heretic is unsettling in the best way possible.
With every twist the movie throws at us, the tension grows thicker, turning this seemingly simple story of two travelers into a terrifying nightmare. As we inch closer to Heretic’s release date, the buzz is only getting louder. So, let’s jump into everything there is to know about this eerie Heretic movie 2024, from the plot, cast, and production details to the much-talked-about trailers.
When is Heretic Coming to Theaters?
Mark your calendars A24 will release Heretic in the US on November 8, 2024, a date that was pushed up by a week from the original plan of November 15. The UK and Ireland get it a little earlier, with a theatrical release on November 1, 2024.
Exclusively in theaters, this is not one to wait for on streaming platforms. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 8, 2024, where early reviews started pouring in, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
Heretic Plot: When Faith Turns into a Deadly Game of Cat-and-Mouse!
At first glance, Heretic might look like another movie about a madman trapping innocent victims, but that’s not what’s happening here. The story revolves around two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East), who think they’re on a routine mission when they knock on Mr. Reed’s door. However, they quickly realize that Reed’s interest in their faith isn’t about conversion it’s about manipulation.
A24’s official plot synopsis hints at the terror that follows:
“Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.”
This isn’t your typical slasher movie. There’s no gore-fest waiting around the corner. Instead, the film goes deep into religious philosophy and psychological warfare, with Reed dissecting and challenging every belief the missionaries hold.
The suspense comes from Reed’s words and the sisters’ slow realization that they are trapped not just physically but mentally, forced to question the very foundations of their faith.
Heretic Cast: A Wicked Trio with Stellar Performances
The Heretic cast keeps things focused, with only a handful of characters driving the story but what a cast it is. Leading the way is Hugh Grant as the chilling Mr. Reed, a character who turns what could have been a friendly conversation about faith into a sinister psychological game.
Alongside Grant are Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets, The Book of Boba Fett) and Chloe East (The Fabelmans), playing Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, two missionaries who walk straight into Reed’s web. Both Thatcher and East hold their own against Grant’s powerhouse performance, showing emotional depth and range as their characters are pushed to their limits. Oh, and don’t forget Topher Grace in a supporting role as Elder Kennedy, adding a surprising twist to the story.
Heretic Trailer: A Masterclass in Teasing Without Spoiling
If you love trailers that give you just enough to pique your interest without ruining the whole story, the Heretic trailer is a dream come true. The film has three trailers out so far, each more revealing than the last, but none of them spoil the big twists.
The latest trailer teases that the story will take place across several locations, not just Mr. Reed’s house but even a basement area, hinting that the missionaries may face more than verbal battles. The trailers build anticipation with fleeting, mysterious shots that raise more questions than answers.
As Grant’s Mr. Reed provocatively asks in the trailer, “Have you figured it out yet?” Spoiler: You haven’t. And that’s exactly the point. The Heretic trailer manages to show enough to get viewers hooked while keeping the biggest secrets under wraps.
Heretic Production: Filming During the SAG-AFTRA Strike
The making of Heretic was just as eventful as the film itself. Directed and written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods the creative duo behind A Quiet Place and 65 the movie was filmed under an interim agreement during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Principal photography took place in Vancouver from October 3 to November 16, 2023, wrapping everything up in just 30 days.
Beck and Woods have a knack for mixing emotional depth with horror, and they bring that same energy to Heretic. Their previous works include Haunt and The Boogeyman, and Heretic promises to fit right in with their signature style creepy, thought-provoking, and full of surprises.
What Critics Are Saying: Early Reviews Are Promising
After its TIFF premiere, Heretic quickly earned praise for its intense atmosphere and mind-bending twists. Hugh Grant’s transformation into the diabolical Mr. Reed has been singled out as a standout performance.
Currently, the film boasts a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 7.5/10, and a 68 on Metacritic, indicating “generally favorable” reviews. Even critics who felt that the second half of the movie didn’t quite live up to its phenomenal first act agreed that Heretic is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
What Are Fans Saying About Heretic on Reddit?
Reddit has been buzzing with discussions from TIFF attendees who were lucky enough to catch the first screening. From Hugh Grant’s mesmerizing performance to debates over the film’s mix of horror and comedy, there’s plenty of chatter.
One fan commented on how Grant’s performance was both “charming and sinister,” while others were more critical, with one saying, “I wanted to feel uneasy and on the edge of my seat.” Another memorable moment from the Q&A included the directors joking that the movie’s genre is simply “A24.”
If you’re dying to see what others think before Heretic’s official release, check out the full Reddit discussion here.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Heretic?
If you’re tired of predictable horror movies and are looking for the best thriller movies of all time that rely on jump scares, Heretic movie 2024 is here to shake things up. This isn’t another haunted house story; it’s a deep exploration into faith, belief, and manipulation, led by a cast that delivers in every way.
With Hugh Grant redefining himself as a master of psychological horror and Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East shining in emotionally charged roles, this movie is bound to leave a mark. Whether you’re in it for the twists, the thrills, or the philosophical debates, Heretic promises an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Final Thoughts: Will You Prove Your Faith?
As Heretic challenges its characters to confront their deepest beliefs, it also invites the audience to question what they think they know. What would you do if everything you believed in was weaponized against you? Could you hold on to your faith, or would you break under the pressure?
With its theatrical release just around the corner, Heretic feels like one of those movies you need to see and maybe even see twice to come to terms fully. And trust us, you’ll want to see if you can piece together the puzzle before it’s too late.
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