Heretic is something special. It’s philosophical horror at its finest and will inspire genuine conversation around it. Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods deliver a thrilling horror film that features some of the strongest performances this year from any genre.

Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods are some of the horror genre’s most promising writers. After creating the generally beloved A Quiet Place franchise, the duo have no shortage of genre fare that takes a more dramatic or emotional look at their various themes of family or comfort. Truth be told in a mostly cynical world, their films often feel like a respite from the sometimes overwhelming nihilism of the horror genre.

Now the duo are back with quite possibly their strongest effort with Heretic which takes a critical eye to monotheistic religion and the ramifications of placing blind faith in such beliefs. While at the same time delivering a thrilling horror film that features some of the strongest performances this year from any genre.

Heretic follows Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) as they travel to a small rural town in hopes of spreading their religion’s message. While on their travels they come to the home of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) who on the surface seems as though he’s a kind man interested in learning more about their religion. Things quickly turn for the worst when they realize that not all is as it seems and they’re forced into a fight for their lives.

The film is propelled into greatness by its script. Though Beck/Woods are no strangers to delivering solid horror scripts with an emotional core, Heretic shows off what the duo can do with dialogue and philosophical themes. The most impressive part about it? The fact that none of it feels inaccessible. There’s arguments about monotheistic idols and belief in the afterlife that provide a fascinating push and pull of ideas in the conversation of religion. It toes a very fine line on the verge of sacrilege but presents genuine arguments for both sides of the age-old argument. I also love how the script employs its use of humor, never feeling out of place but instead proving moments of respite in anxious intoxicating situations and moments.

While a strong script in its own right I can’t help but bring attention to the stand out performances from Thatcher, East, and Grant who absolutely steals the show. Grant brings a certain gravitas to his performance that it’s almost stage-like in quality. Delivering massive monologue of intricate nature while hitting his mark in every scene proving a performance that turns a typical horror villain into an engaging force of nature. He’s absolutely wonderful to watch and I cannot overstate how much more genre fare Hugh Grant should be in.

Beck and Woods also have a chance to show off their technical filmmaking abilities in Heretic to a degree we haven’t seen before. Featuring fascinating camera movement including a particular shot involving a candle that stayed with me long after the film ended. Production design is also very top notch. Mr Reed’s idyllic home represents paradise, a cellar standing in for purgatory, and the basement becoming hell. All pieces connecting to Dante’s Divine Comedy. A detail that I hope receives the recognition it deserves.

Perhaps that’s what I love most about Heretic as a whole. It feels as if it was crafted and curated with care. Like Mr. Reed’s actions every choice feels deliberate. Beck and Woods’ culmination of ideas come together in a fascinating and profound way that it’s sure to inspire thought provoking conversation around the film’s themes, performances, and technical execution. Heretic is something special. It’s philosophical horror at its finest and will inspire genuine conversation around it. For my money? This is Beck and Woods’ finest film. Highly recommended.

Grade: A-

Oscar Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Grant)

Release Date: November 8, 2024
Where to Watch: In Theaters