Heretic
Heretic
A diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) ensnares two young missionaries in his terrifying game of cat-and-mouse when they knock on the wrong door and are forced to prove their faith.
M08Y reviewedJuly 17, 2025
The first half of Heretic almost scratches gold. It really does. Unfortunately it doesnt quite last. The latter half of Heretic feels unrefined. It's like all of the focus and intrigue was used up in the first half, devolving into a rather predictable and dark (visually) dissapointment. Seriously, I watched this in daytime and the slightest reflection on my screen rendered scenes unwatchable.
The real stand out for this film is the cast. Hugh Grant is absolutely mesmerising, everything about his performance is uncomfortable, he is absolutely terrifying without laying a finger on you. Grant's laid back and polite vibe turns increasingly menacing the longer you are with him.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East both turn in a good performance with much of Thatcher's Sister Barnes feeling like it was left on the cutting room floor.
In conclusion, the lack of focus in the latter half of the film really does hold it back from being excellent. Grant's performance is well worth giving Heretic a try.