Dog’s Movie House: “Heretic” Is A Horror Movie With More On It’s Mind Then Just Scares!

“Heretice” tells the tale of two female missionaries from the The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) is the older of the two and a little more worldly while her friend and fellow missionary Sister Paxton (Chloe East) is positively brimming with religious enthusiasm. One afternoon they happen to visit the sprawling country home of one Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) a biblical scholar seemingly interested in what the two girls have to say. But there’s something. . .off about the genial facade presented by Mr. Reed and soon the two girls find themselves trapped in the house during a nasty storm, unable to leave despite Mr. Reed’s assertions to the contrary. What follows is a cat and mouse game featuring razor sharp observations (on both sides, mind you) about the purpose of religion, spirituality, and even the development of the board game Monopoly, all wrapped up in a suspenseful attempt for the two girls to survive the night!

Most religious horror films work the supernatural angle, such as demonic possession or Satanism, but “Heretic” has something a lot different on its mind. The movie almost feels like a theatrical play with the focus on primarily just the three prime characters (Topher Grace makes a late film appearance as the girls’ mentor, but he barely registers). The creep factor is off the charts even before the film’s final, bloody act, so when the violence does come, it almost acts as a pressure valve for the audience. There are few, if any, jump scares to be had here, just a constant building of creeping dread that starts from the very moment Sisters Paxton and Barnes knock on Mr. Reed’s door.

Most of the creep factor comes from Hugh Grant’s outstanding performance. You’ve never seen Grant like this before, using his natural aw-shucks charm for something far more sinister. Mr. Reed is perfectly reasonable, rarely raising his voice or acting in an overtly evil manner. His arguements, for the most part, revolving around his discovery of the “True” religion, are reasonably well thought out, even if he uses “Star Wars” as an analogy. There’s something just a bit off in his smile, his friendly demeanor, and his mannerisms that will make your teeth itch.

Grant is matched by his two female co-leads. Thatcher’s plays Sister Barnes with a bit of meloncholy that doesn’t detract from the fact that she is a true believer. For most of the film, she is the braver of the two and more willing to take risks when they find themselves in the clutches of Mr. Reed. Chloe East gets the most overt character arc, transforming from a somewhat shy, enthusiastic missionary to a reluctant, but capable, badass, which is a quality she needs if she and her friend are going to escape alive.

The dialogue and direction by writer/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods are both sharp and inventive, using both camera angles and production design to produce an aura of palpable dread that reminds of a film like “Longlegs.” The movie is bound to inspire a great deal of conversation and not just about the horror aspects. You may actually find yourself agreeing with some of Mr. Reed’s theories and sympathizing with the villain’s point of view is an usual tactic that makes “Heretic” stand out from most horror films. 4 1/2 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

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