Heretic directed and written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods is set to be one of the most talked about films in the coming awards season. Not only the plot but also the performances are worth giving a second, third and fourth look at. The film follows two young missionaries who visit an old man’s house who is interested in knowing more about the church, as the audience of this film is just as unsuspected about what’s to come by the end.
The psychological thriller begins with two Mormon missionaries talking about sex and how one of them was turned to the light of faith after watching porn. While the other refuses to share her views of the same it becomes pretty evident that there’s more to her story. One confident in her work while another timid the two set out to recruit more people in their church. One of the people they set out to meet is Mr. Reeds. A middle-aged man who is enthusiastic and curious about their faith.
The sisters walk into the house to talk about religion, help him with his doubt about their church and eat some blueberry pie being made by Mr Reeds’ wife. However, not only after the walk-in, it soon become evident that the two are trapped in the house and at the mercy of their host and the only way to walk out alive is to turn to their faith.
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Early on the filmmakers hint at the contradiction in the screenplay that’s set to run through the duration of the film. The subtle hints in the cinematography also added to the tone and vibe of the film, but what truly runs the show is Hugh Grant’s performance. He isn’t just menacing through his harsh words and intentions but also brings a bit of innocence to his questions. Despite the situation both sisters are in, it is not easy to see Hugh’s Mr Reeds as a threat. He uses his smile as a mask, a distraction making him more of a dangerous character and adding to the horror element of the film.
Meanwhile, Sister Barnes played by Sophie Thatcher and Sister Paxton played by Chloe East add the nightmare feel to any young or old lady in the audience. The lack of control of the situation for both the sisters sets in the horror tone of the film. One of the best parts of the film is how the experience will change based on the audience. Any female viewer may feel the terror more, while another with a stronger faith might have a more interactive experience. Coming back to their performances, Thatcher and East have great chemistry with each other and the concept of the story. Both also get to show different sets of performances during the run time, making them talents to watch out for in the coming years, especially in the commercial space.
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Overall, Heretic is thought-provoking and comes with logic on both sides without plot armour keeping one in more in control. Despite the great plot and the screenplay, it’s the performance that deserves most of the credit. All three have a massive presence in the smallest of rooms which makes up for the biggest difference.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India