Heretic Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two Mormon missionaries get trapped in Hugh Grant’s house where he tries to convert them to…atheism? By using a deadly game of religious Monopoly, apparently.

🍿 Heretic: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at Mr. Reed’s Home

Two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, arrive at the secluded home of Mr. Reed, an Englishman who expressed interest in learning about their faith. Despite their initial hesitation, Mr. Reed welcomes them inside, assuring them his wife is home. The conversation begins innocently, but Mr. Reed makes unsettling comments about the Mormon faith and the nature of belief, creating an atmosphere of unease.

The Unveiling of Deception

As the discussion progresses, Sister Barnes becomes suspicious, realizing the blueberry pie smell is from a candle and the front door is locked. Mr. Reed then leads them to his study, where he delivers a threatening lecture arguing that all religions are adaptations of each other and he’s discovered the ‘one true religion.’ He presents them with a choice of two doors, one for believers and one for non-believers, both leading to the same dungeon.

The Dungeon and the Prophet

In the dungeon, a decrepit woman appears, eats a poisoned pie, and dies, supposedly to resurrect as a Prophet of God. A Mormon elder arrives searching for the girls, but leaves without finding them. The girls witness the ‘Prophet’ rise again, describing a fabricated afterlife. Sister Barnes dismisses the description as hallucinations from near-death experiences, leading to a confrontation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant): A reclusive and diabolical Englishman who lures two missionaries into his home to test their faith and prove his own twisted religious theories.
• Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher): A confident and assertive Mormon missionary who finds herself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
• Sister Paxton (Chloe East): A timid and devout Mormon missionary who is forced to confront her beliefs and fight for survival.
• Elder Kennedy (Topher Grace): A Mormon elder who unknowingly visits Mr. Reed’s house, searching for the missing missionaries, but leaves without discovering the truth.
• Prophet (Elle Young): A woman held captive by Mr. Reed and used in his twisted religious experiment, falsely prophesizing about the afterlife.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Reed: “You know, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’” – Mr. Reed uses this famous line to taunt the sisters during their ordeal.
• Mr. Reed: “Prayer is just a nice way to think that there is someone other than yourself.” – Said by Mr. Reed, encapsulating his cynical view on faith.
• Prophet: “It’s not real.” – During the orchestrated ‘resurrection’ scene, the ‘Prophet’ adds this unscripted line, revealing that the events are fabricated.
• Sister Paxton: “I pray not to get anything, but out of kindness.” – As she is about to be murdered Sister Paxton explains why she is praying.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $27,986,380
• Worldwide Gross: $57,768,628

💥 Heretic Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn in by Hugh Grant’s performance; it’s unlike anything I’ve seen him do before! The theological debates were unexpectedly fascinating and I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how the missionaries would escape, or if they even could. The scenes in the basement were creepy as heck and had me jumping more than once. It’s not a perfect movie, but its a genuinely thrilling experience. I would recommend it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological horror”
  • “Viewers interested in films that explore themes of religion and faith”
  • “Those who appreciate Hugh Grant’s darker roles”
  • “Audiences who enjoy suspenseful thrillers with thought-provoking themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gore”
  • “Thematic elements involving religion and manipulation”
  • “Disturbing situations and imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Film Stories: “Hugh Grant delivers a chilling performance, proving his range extends far beyond rom-coms. The film’s exploration of faith and manipulation is thought-provoking, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the very end.
• Cinema Blind: “Heretic is a suspenseful thriller featuring an unnerving performance from Hugh Grant, with the two leading ladies playing well off each other. Its smart script and dark humor create a memorable viewing experience, though the third act lost some impact.
• IMDb User Review: “Hugh Grant shines, with Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East also delivering solid performances. The film gradually immerses you in the eerie atmosphere, though the plot weakens towards the end. Still, an enjoyable horror film.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised Hugh Grant’s diabolical performance.: Most people agree that the first half of the film, with its psychological tension and intriguing religious debates, is much stronger than the more conventional horror elements in the later parts.

Overall Consensus: Heretic boasts strong performances, especially from Hugh Grant, and raises interesting questions about faith. While the first half is generally lauded for its suspense and intellectual depth, the conclusion is often criticized for being less satisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Hugh Grant was cast against type to play the villainous Mr. Reed, a role specifically written for him after the directors saw an interview where he expressed a desire to play more diverse characters.”
• “The film explores themes of faith, doubt, and control, prompting viewers to question their own beliefs and the nature of religious institutions.”
• “To enhance the unsettling atmosphere, the filmmakers relied on long, still shots and reaction shots rather than jump scares.”

🖥️ How to Watch Heretic?

Heretic is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. As an A24 film, it may also become available on streaming services like Max or Hulu in the future, pending licensing agreements.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Heretic, you might like these similar films:

• The Witch (2015): Explores similar themes of religious extremism, isolation, and the questioning of faith in a dark and unsettling setting.
• Saint Maud (2019): Features a young religious woman whose intense faith leads to disturbing and potentially violent actions, mirroring the psychological intensity of “Heretic.”
• The Invitation (2015): Creates a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere as a dinner party slowly reveals sinister intentions, similar to the claustrophobic tension in “Heretic.”
• Speak No Evil (2022): Explores the themes of politeness vs. self-preservation and a couple slowly realizing they are in danger, comparable to the missionaries predicament.

🛒 Heretic Related Products

• Radiohead – OK Computer (Vinyl): A vinyl record of Radiohead’s groundbreaking album, ‘OK Computer,’ featuring the song ‘Creep,’ evoking the movie’s themes of unease and questioning authority.
• Vintage Labyrinth Board Game: A vintage-style labyrinth board game, perfect for fans fascinated by puzzles and mazes; reminiscent of the film’s themes of confinement and control.
• A24 Blu-Ray Collection: Blu-Ray collection of A24 horror films, including ‘The Witch’, ‘Midsommar’, and others, for fans interested in exploring similar themes of dread and suspense.
• Butterfly Jewelry: A delicate butterfly pendant, serving as a symbol of transformation and rebirth; inspired by the poignant ending of the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Heretic features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Creep” – performed by Radiohead
• “The Air That I Breathe” – performed by The Hollies
• “Just Like a Butterfly (That’s Caught in the Rain)” – performed by Ipana Troubadours

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hugh Grant Rewatches Love Actually, Notting Hill, Heretic & More | Vanity Fair

Ever wonder what actors *really* think of their own movies? Watch Hugh Grant revisit scenes from his iconic roles, including ‘Heretic’. His reactions are surprisingly candid—you won’t believe what he says!

High Grant’s Jar Jar Binks impression from Heretic

Okay, you HAVE to see this. Hugh Grant doing a Jar Jar Binks impression? It’s related to ‘Heretic’ somehow, and it’s way funnier than it has any right to be. Seriously, just watch!

Hugh Grant on Taylor Swift Compliment, Embracing Halloween & He Delivers Horror Lines Rom-Com Style

Want to know more about ‘Heretic’? Check out Hugh Grant’s interview on Jimmy Kimmel! He shares some interesting details about the movie, but the best part is when he reads horror lines like he’s in a rom-com, it’s hilarious!

We SURPRISED Hugh Grant for his birthday! 🎂

Aww, this is cute! Watch Hugh Grant get surprised for his birthday by his co-stars from ‘Heretic’. It’s a sweet moment and gives you a peek into their relationship, plus a little more about the movie!

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