Hugh Grant Bedevils In Heretic, A Theological Debate Wrapped In Horror Trappings
Back To Blogs List
What is the one true religion?
This theological question is at the heart of Heretic, a gothic horror show that explores the mysteries of faith and the forces of evil.
When Sister Burns (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) show up to Mr. Reid's (Hugh Grant) house in an attempt to convert him to the Church of Latter-day Saints, they find a middle-aged man in a daze, someone he once knew years ago, charmingly confused in a way that only Grant could be. But things quickly change when, with the lights out and the front door locked and immobile, Reid engages the girls in a theological discussion. Soon the girls' faith is put to the test in a trap designed to test their faith and belief.
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who co-wrote and directed the film, direct with atmospheric verve, using pouring rain, leaky roofs and dimly lit spaces to eerie effect. Reid's house, seen both from inside and in beautifully framed shots through the wrought iron from its gate, exudes an uneasy energy reminiscent of a Gothic haunted house. In contrast, Grant, dressed in a patchwork sweater and sensible sneakers, gives a performance that ranges from quelling curiosity to hilarious cruelty.
Grant exudes an almost submissive kindness before something more sinister oozes from his pores. The last few years of his career have been marked by bold and interesting decisions, but this may be his most villainous yet. He has stripped away some of the smug villainy that made him look so delicious in Paddington 2, replacing his ego with menace. He strings a web of terror around the two young women with unsettling calm and false brightness. Grant forms a practiced mask of confusion towards Reed, but as we watch Reed's morbid lust grow along with the girls' growing fear, we know something much worse is afoot.
Grant also recognizes that humor is essential to a film like this, both to ease the tension and to give Mr. Reed a level of depth. He's always been a gifted comedian, and Heretic is an excitingly different vehicle for those talents, driven by his incredibly infectious sense of happiness. He delivers religious arguments with typical dry humor, pulling the strings with a drawling, droll energy.
The two actresses he plays opposite are worthy opponents. Thatcher conveyed Burns's doubts from the start, highlighting her worldliness and a much more intellectually thoughtful interpretation of her faith. East, her counterpart, is a simple, innocent character raised within the strict rules of Mormonism, rules she never questioned. She delivers a convincing performance as the situation grows more terrifying, but she never gives up Paxton's spark of blind faith, even when she is forced to take off her rose-colored glasses. The film is available to watch on Flixtor movie.
Comments