Very rare are the films where religion is approached in this way. Most of them follow a family moving into an old house, or snarling demons eager to possess a living being. With this horrific fiction, theology bursts forth but in a more vicious sense.
Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes are talking, sitting on a bench. Their movement going door to door within the state of Colorado does not necessarily go as hoped. Because proposing a (re) conversion, even while feeling comfortable with one’s ideals, is not so simple. Particularly in relation to their religion, the Mormon church. After their short break, and discussions allowing the young women to get to know each other a little more, they decided to stop in front of an isolated but well-maintained house. A few minutes pass and a clean-looking man opens his door and introduces himself warmly, Mr. Reed. Invited to enter his home while waiting for the storm to pass and dry out, the 2 Sisters will very quickly feel a kind of trap, a web closing around them. The building actually turns out to be a real maze and the only way to get out of it is to listen to Reed’s words. Without forgetting the final choice, the green or brown door…
One of the first excellent surprises of “Heretic” remains its distribution. Starting with the versatile filmmaker duo, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Quite unknown to the general public, they are nevertheless the screenwriters of the very lucrative and successful franchise, “Without a sound”. Or also recently, from “65 – The Land Before” with Adam Driver.
Concerning “Heretic”, the horror inspiration continues. But this time, the monster is human and as officially announced in the synopsis. Friendly at first, his strangeness will be perceived too late by the 2 Sisters.
Because as soon as they enter the lair of the evil “Mr. Reed”, aka Hugh Grant (“Wonka”), the plot gains intensity and becomes more horrific and psychological. On both sides, words that often turn out to be theological are transformed into weapons.
Throughout the story, where horror and fear are more and more present during the advancement of the two Mormons within the labyrinthine house of “Mr. Reed”, the lines come forth. No real verbal violence, but the threat is felt in every word and the Evil One’s tactics will work in a certain way.
This even has a name, sealioning, acting like a sea lion. It involves harassing people with repeated requests for arguments, while remaining falsely courteous and sincere. This practice, perfect for narcissistic perverts, is also used in debates. What the nebulous “Mr. Roseau” does without hesitation, who will never give in, thanks to his own reasons.
The latter therefore turns out to be played by the very good British actor Hugh Grant. Headlining “Heretic”, he stands out from all his previous roles (even the television series “The Undoing” where he played a murderer) thanks to his incredible investment.
The actor, who had already impressed directors in 2012 in the film “Cloud Atlas”, felt the potential of his role as a heretic so much that he researched a lot about polemicists and gurus of very specific sects. In order to better understand the reasons for committing such evil acts.
The performances of his colleagues are also not easily forgotten and are just as surprising. Thus, Sophie Thatcher (“The Bogeyman”) and Chloe East (“The Fablemans”), 2 actresses and actually former Mormons, turn out to be a bit innocent, but more intelligent, intuitive and courageous than they appear. Above all, faithful to their faith and beliefs which have great importance in relation to the horror film.
And 4e character is to be mentioned at the level of this achievement. The incredible home of the tortuous owner. Externally shot on real locations, the different rooms built in Canada are all significant and each more gloomy than the other. The place lives, surrounds and surrounds the 3 protagonists whatever…
However, 2 elements remain a little regrettable within “Heretic”. Its musical composition, made by Chris Bacon (“Wednesday”), lacks a striking, distressing and/or frightening theme. In addition to this small absence, the character of the Missionary responsible for the 2 Sisters does not have enough importance and unfortunately, and is forgotten very quickly in relation to the rest of the story.
“Heretic” is therefore a successful, careful, intriguing and truly effective work of horror. Its horror doesn’t compare to the excellent “Terrifier 3”, but it is definitely noticeable. Aficionados of the genre will delight in each scene (in front of a chianti?). While younger people and overly sensitive people will avoid it, because this fiction is not aimed at this type of audience.
Of course, this is a personal choice and as the plot of the feature film demonstrates, all decisions have consequences…
Heretic
USA – CAN – 2024
Duration: 1h50 min
Scary, Horror, Suspense
Directors: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Avec: Hugh Grant, Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher, Topher Grace, Elle Young, Julie Lynn Mortensen, Wendy Gorling
Pathé Films Switzerland
11/27/2024 at the cinema
