My quick rating – 6.9/10. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods deliver a well-crafted psychological horror in Heretic (2024), a tense and gripping tale that explores faith, manipulation, and survival. Starring Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes and Chloe East as Sister Paxton, the film follows two young missionaries who unwittingly step into the lair of Mr. Reed, played by a chillingly diabolical Hugh Grant. What starts as a routine house call quickly devolves into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
The film does a remarkable job of drawing us into Mr. Reed’s twisted narrative. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, making every interaction feel weighty with subtext. The tension builds steadily, and the movie kept me hooked, feeding you small but tantalizing pieces of the mystery as it unfolds. Even with its confined setting, mostly within the walls of Mr. Reed’s house, there is always a sense of hidden depth, something yet to be discovered.
Visually, the film excels. The house itself, along with its eerie model counterpart, is wonderfully designed and adds an extra layer of unease. It’s a shame they didn’t utilize these elements a bit more, as they had great potential to elevate the psychological horror aspect even further.
The performances are what really made this flick. Grant embodies a menacing yet charismatic antagonist, his portrayal of Mr. Reed both captivating and unsettling. Thatcher and East do a fantastic job as the reluctant heroines, bringing vulnerability to their roles, making their characters’ plight all the more compelling.
However, where the film slightly falters is in its conclusion. Without spoiling anything, the ending felt like it could have been “more.” While the buildup was strong, the resolution seemed to take the easier route instead of something more profound or impactful. It’s possible that my expectations were steering the story in a different direction in my head, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a missed opportunity to deliver something even greater.
Despite this, Heretic remains a solid psychological horror entry, effectively keeping its audience on edge throughout. Had I completed my top ten list for last year, this would have likely made the cut. Beck and Woods have certainly demonstrated their skill in crafting tight, well-edited scenes and keeping the suspense taut. If you’re a fan of slow-burn tension and sinister mind games, Heretic is well worth your time.
