37/45
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in Heretic, plus more modern women killing the horror game
Tale
Two religious young women are drawn into a game of cat and mouse in a strange man’s house.. The end credits music is a version of "Knocking on Heaven’s Door" set to the song “Fade into You”; by Mazzy Starr. A nod to the fact that "Creep" by Radiohead is a reiteration (due to the melody) of "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies, previously mentioned by Grant in the film. The end credits state that no generative Al was used in the making of the film.
Hugh doesn’t belong here
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024). What the hell is Hugh doing here? Or maybe, just maybe, Hugh does belong here! Maybe horror is Hugh’s true calling and he wasted 30 years of his career in romantic comedies?
Maybe it’s simply because of Hugh Grant’s amazing charisma as Mr
That’s an exaggeration, of course, and I still like most of his silly commands. The truth is, though, that Hugh Grant gives a stunning performance as the disturbing and terrifying villain in “Heretic.” There’s a lot more about Scott Beck & Bryan Wood’s “Heretic” deserves praise and attention! I didn’t expect a horror script full of theological inquiry and debate, and I certainly didn’t expect to be so fascinated by the subject! Reed and the way he intimidates and petrifies two innocent young Mormon girls who show up on his doorstep, but the more chatty “heretic”; became, the more I liked it.
And you know what’s most intriguing?
Reed is like an eloquent big bad wolf who preys on two naive little red riding hoods. It’s a riveting thriller show that keeps you staring at the screen in awe for half the film. A lot of what Reed says about various aspects of religion makes total sense! When “Sisters”; Barnes and Paxton are lured into Reed’s strange basement, “Heretic”; maneuvers into more familiar and grotesque territory.
The film makes heavy use of the brilliant song as well as “The Air that I Breath”; by The Hollies
The theory is put into practice and the verbal terror turns into physical horror, which somehow makes the film less unique. Some action was required, I reckon and thankfully ‘Heretic’; stays fun and suspenseful throughout.PS: Radiohead’s “Creep” tie-in; in the first two lines there is no coincidence.