The new Hugh Grant film “Heretic” begins as a thriller and ends as a horror, which feels like an intentional wink to its subject matter – the uncertainty of belief and what happens when we die.
The story begins as a team of Mormon Missionaries, Sisters Barnes and Paxton, played respectively by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, talk on a park bench before continuing their day of knocking on doors and seeking converts. Their conversation is on topics ranging from sex to faith.
At first glance, it is difficult to determine whether they are naive, shallow wells of youthful obeisance to Mormon authority or weary travelers who found shelter from the storm within the Church’s religious structure.
The answer becomes a muddled mix of the two as the narrative unfolds.
A similar thing can be said about Mr. Reed, a recluse who invites the missionaries in to discuss the idea of religious faith. For Reed, played by Grant, his shelter—or shallow well of obedience—is a studied skepticism that he wishes to force on the world.
As it becomes clear that Reed is not the type of spiritual seeker the missionaries have been led to believe, he pulls them deeper – literally and figuratively – into his house of horrors.
At first, the horror is depicted as the existential dread of death and all the methods humans have devised to calm our souls in light of our impending doom. Later, it becomes more immediate.
At its core, “Heretic” is a film about faith, framed by conversations about comparative religion, authority, and control. It focuses its microscope of skepticism on belief and disbelief, but not in equal measure. The script gives a nod to the reality that nonbelievers (of any kind) can create a myth to dismiss reality just as well as those who practice religious faith.
However, it is clear that the writers were most concerned with making those of us who follow a faith tradition uncomfortable.
For me, their effort was successful. The film was unsettling.
Hugh Grant created a character light years away from the loving curmudgeon he has made a career out of. Whether intentional or not, this departure from type became a plot device of its own, designed to make the viewer question previously held beliefs.
Throughout the short film, I found myself pondering how and why so many religious traditions send out their young people to do the work of proselytizing. I was reminded that this is less about winning souls and more about retaining them.
The process of explaining faith to nonbelievers becomes a catechism of sorts, solidifying belief within the proclaimer.
For Barnes and Paxton, their youth became their undoing and redemption.
“Heretic” is not for the faint of heart but will be loved by anyone who enjoys horrific introspection.
Rating: R for, well, horrors and dread
Directors: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Runtime: 111 Minutes
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