HERETIC Review

Two young Mormon 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 and intense game of cat-and-mouse.kaan

Any material you can relate to is more entertaining. In this case, it’s having ever engaged in a religious conversation or having some form of a religious missionary knocking on your door trying to sell you their beliefs. In some cases, it’s appreciated, but in others, rather annoying. Yet who would’ve thought a captivating film could tell a horror story surrounding it? Across the board, this film receives high marks. Everything about it is superb; the acting, set pieces, editing, sound design, and overall emotions this film puts you through. The questions of faith are asked and answered during this film and you may not like the answers it provides.

Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) are two Mormon missionaries under the impression that their next meeting will go as normal to discuss The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints. However, the evil Mr. Reeds (Hugh Grant) has different plans for the couple. Mr. Reeds may be tired of religion and has his unique sinister way of investigating what beliefs does to the mind. He has his little system of games he’s come up with to test his theories, which is the draw of the entire film. This is also fascinating because it shows you how lose-minded of a character he is to go to such drastic lengths to find answers. You immediately want to know more about this man, even if he’s the psychotic antagonist.

This film is not your average full-length feature. That’s common for films produced by A24, and this one is no different. Directors Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (65, A Quiet Place) use a form of cinematography as if you’re watching a typical film, but also as if it’s found footage. During these moments in the beginning of the film, you can sense something awry with the way the camera is focusing on these characters, and you’re confident that at least one of them won’t make it out alive.

This is also sold by their performances. Not just from the two main girls but Hugh Grant himself playing Mr. Reeds. He was cast in this psychological thriller due to his role in Cloud Atlas (2012). This man is a true diabolical monster who has no room for remorse. He comes off as a very scary man obsessed with finding answers, and willing to stop at nothing to find them. The film goes to show the details of how meticulous he is with details and perfection. While the two sisters are terrified for their lives not knowing if they would wake up the next day, Mr. Reeds again doesn’t bat an eye. He’s acting as if these women deserve the mistreatment, and he is ordained to administer the punishment. He’s truly a sick-minded human being.

As the film progresses, questions arise more and more on what can be done to free these women. Options appear less and less while the drama and mysteries increase more and more. As the discussion of religion picks up again during the film, it’s going full speed, and this is where questions from the trailer start to get answered, however, not entirely. One character suggests that once you know the truth about religion, it will make you want to die. Unfortunately, this film never pays off that promise. It dances around it a ton but never presents any new ideas that have never been seen in film/television before. That’s fine, but don’t lead with a secret that will make your audience want to kill themselves when not delivered. Yet the performances from the entire cast are so good that these other aspects may not even bother you. Some are here for the acting, not caring about the story, and that’s not to say it’s bad. It just doesn’t stick the landing as hard as it should have.

Going back to Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, of course, you’re rooting for them. They are young innocent women who made a bad choice by entering this home, but who still deserve justice. It’s commendable how cool, calm, and collected these two appeared after realizing they were locked inside the house with no escape, and not wanting to taunt/poke the bear. You love their characters due to them standing ten toes down believing in their faith and not wavering even when death is staring them in the face.

Don’t forget about the easter/eggs and callbacks too. Try your best to pay attention to everything, it will pay off towards the end. This film has repeat viewing potential. There are more philosophical questions that arise, which can’t be discussed here due to potential spoilers, but it will make you think. That’s the point of the film, to make you question what you already believe. Overall, a great near masterpiece, but the ending left me wanting slightly more.

My Rating : 8.5/10