A Review of Heretic
A couple of weeks ago I watched what has now become my favorite horror movie of all time, Heretic. Staring the sensational Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed, Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes, and Chloe East as Sister Paxton, Heretic presents a mind-altering narrative about the malevolent influence control has over our lives.
Over the past few years, I have been thoroughly disappointed with the tawdry and aimless storylines featured in modern horror movies: the surprise villain never being a true surprise, or the cheap jump scares that catch you off guard but never bring any satisfactory fear. And the void of waiting to be scared grows deeper, because deep down you know that none of these actors, writers, or producers care about what it truly means to terrify. I was fully prepared to feel that disappointment in the theatre once more, but I was delightfully proven wrong by Heretic.
The film stars two young missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, who unluckily wander into the house of Mr. Reed. Deceived by his innocent and friendly nature, the women inadvertently walk right into a deadly game of cat and mouse. In order to make it out alive the women must challenge, resist, and overcome the diabolical heretic that has lured them into his treacherous inferno.
Something incredibly refreshing about this film is you are meant to know from the very beginning that Mr. Reed is the bad guy. There is no subtle masking of his intentions, from the moment the women step inside, Mr. Reed begins his sadistic game. He claims his wife is in the kitchen baking a pie but no woman ever emerges. Suddenly, the delicious and warm scent of blueberries circulating the air dies, and emerges as smoke from the flame of a scented candle, once fervidly burning, confirming our protagonist’s suspicions: Mr. Reed has been lying to them. This quick declaration of Mr. Reed being our villain may seem to reveal the twist of his character prematurely, however, it is essential to establish his objective in order for the events following to disturb like they do.
The film relies on being uncomfortable in what you believe. Mr. Reed presents our protagonists with scenarios that should make them question the entirety of their doctrine, their faith, and how and who they trust. I won’t spoil the wicked trials our heroines must endure, but the whole time you are left anticipating how they will escape. And I can assure you, not once does it happen how you’d expect.
What is real? What makes you believe what is real, is true? How do you know what you believe to be true, is real? These are all questions Mr. Reed presents to the women in order to torture them. Does his plan work? Or do his plans repel back onto him because of our heroine’s ability to deceive just as he did? The only way to find out is to go out at watch it! This film is one that will not leave your mind even days after watching. I implore you to witness the brilliance behind this film. Be uncomfortable. Be cautious. But most of all… Challenge him.