21/35
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in Heretic, plus more modern women killing the horror game
Tale
Two religious young women are drawn into a game of cat and mouse in a strange man’s house.. The end credits music is a version of "Knocking on Heavens Door" set to the song “Fade into You”; by Mazzy Starr.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)
A nod to the fact that "Creep" by Radiohead is a reiteration (due to the melody) of "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies, previously mentioned by Grant in the film. The end credits state that no generative Al was used in the making of the film.
The Heretic is as unpredictable as it is messy
While the film keeps you on your toes for most of its running time, the plot begins to wear thin in the final act. Hugh Grant gives a standout performance, with Sophie Thatcher and Cloe East also shining in their roles.
Unfortunately, the plot is the film’s weakest point
The director, cinematographer and set designer also deserve credit as they gradually immerse you in the increasing madness of Grant’s character and his strange house. The tension and mystery build nicely at first, but around the two-thirds mark, it starts to unravel.
The climax left me slightly disappointed as I was expecting something deeper
Still, “Heretic” is an excellent horror film in its own right – enjoyable, but not quite as memorable as I’d hoped.
