Hugh Grant is typically known for his charming roles, but he’s taken quite the leap with A24's new thriller, Heretic, where he delivers nothing short of spine-chilling horror as the enigmatic Mr. Reed. Recognized for playing the sweet romantic lead, Grant now showcases more sinister shades, blending dark comedy with psychological tension.
Among the film’s intriguing undertones, Grant recently made headlines not just for his role, but for his surprising admission: he has never watched any Star Wars films, the very franchise where his character delivers his infamous Jar Jar Binks impression. This tidbit came to light during his conversation with Entertainment Weekly, where he candidly shared, "One of my guiltiest secrets is, I’ve still never seen a Star Wars movie. I think I YouTubed it." This line drew both laughs and astonishment as fans puzzled over how one could reference such an iconic character without seeing the original films.
Heretic weaves itself around Grant’s Mr. Reed, who invites two unsuspecting Mormon missionaries, Sisters Barnes and Paxton, played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, respectively, to seek shelter from the enveloping snowstorm. Their initial light banter about polygamy and modern missionizing takes on darker hues as they realize Mr. Reed's home is anything but safe.
The film plays with the expectations of its audience, seamlessly transitioning from casual conversation to unsettling scenarios. For starters, when they enter his home, they notice the bizarre setup: the lights run on timers, and metal barriers inside prevent them from using their phones. Reed claims his wife is nearby baking, but as the story unravels, the sisters question the very foundation of trust and belief they hold so dear.
What ensues is more than mere horror; it is philosophical musings about faith and disbelief. Reed leads the sisters down this rabbit hole by debating the essence of organized religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. His remarks often veer offbeat, sometimes citing pop culture and then pivoting back to history and belief systems. By doing so, Heretic expertly critiques the structures of faith, relying on wit and dark humor.
Grant's performance adds complexity to Mr. Reed, who nothing suggests at first appears nearly harmless. But beneath his affable exterior lies manipulative intent, making viewers question the nature of his interpretations about faith. During one memorable scene, Grant's character whimsically muses about how bizarre it would be for future generations to regard Jar Jar Binks as some sort of religious figure, complete with his famous catchphrase: "Exsqueeze me!" Not just for laughs, this moment becomes emblematic of his unpredictable blend of humor amid the tension.
Yet, there lies more than just joking references at play here; the film’s horror is anchored deeply within the sound design, creating gripping immersion. Sharp, disorienting noises, alongside haunting voices, build anxiety—a setup of tension awaiting its release. The film doesn’t just rely on jump scares; it crafts moments of slow-burning dread. The claustrophobic nature of Mr. Reed’s home and the disquieting atmosphere only amplify the feeling of entrapment as the sisters find themselves caught between their faith and the threats lurking around them.
Some viewers may glean comic relief from Grant's moments of levity, but the film overall forms as grand commentary on humanity's relentless pursuit of answers—often through the lens of organized religion. The emotional tension culminates when the sisters are confronted with two doors labeled “Belief” and “Disbelief.” Reed ominously invites them to choose, pushing them to weigh their faith against his dark interpretations of truth.
When it seems the duo has succumbed to his manipulative game, the scene shifts abruptly, leading to shocking revelations. The film’s pacing creates expectant tension by slowly peeling off layers of Mr. Reed's character, showing him to be not only charming but deeply menacing. This haunting crescendo builds to the dramatic conclusion where true intentions are revealed, leaving viewers contemplative and perhaps even unsettled.
The ending of Heretic does not satisfy the typical horror formula; instead of concrete resolutions, it fosters ambiguity—perfectly aligning with the film’s thematic exploration of belief. Grant’s performance stands out against the backdrop of cola-tinged horror, challenging his longstanding image as merely dashing romance fodder through his dark comedic undertones. He reveals nuances of charm twisted against the chilling reality of malevolence, inviting audiences to reconsider his character’s motives throughout the film.
Not only does this indicate Hugh Grant’s evolution as an actor, it highlights the supportive efforts by co-directors Beck and Woods, from A Quiet Place, who seamlessly narrate this unsettling tale interspersed with biting humor. Engaging both mind and emotions, Heretic is not your usual horror film—its potency lies gently wrapped around the themes of faith, horror, and the complexity of human belief structures.
Overall, audiences will likely leave feeling conflicted about the nature of truth as it has been presented. By the time the credits roll, Mr. Reed’s chilling character transforms Grant’s public persona, reshaping ideas of villainy and moral ambiguity. Those still grasping for the remnants of the familiar charm from past films will find themselves trying to reconcile them with the dark turn the narrative takes.
For those seeking true horror, replete with philosophical undertones, Heretic serves up what many thrill-seekers crave—unrepentant psychological horror blended with biting commentary, supported by standout performances from its revered cast. Who would have thought one film could shift perceptions not just of its characters but also redefine the lead actor’s long-reigning romantic comedy image? It’s clear Grant isn’t merely taking on new roles; he's daring his audience to rethink what they believe.
