HERETIC

It's clear from the outset that this film isn't going to appeal to a lot of audiences - and that's a real shame. It's not a through-and-through horror, so will disappoint many key audience members in the United States. Those who are afraid to have religion challenged will find offence here, while those with no interest in religion will find it doesn't resonate. As well as being a bona fide thriller (and, to a lesser degree, a horror), it asks some big questions of us: what role does religion truly play in our lives, why do the major faiths stem from such similar stories, and what's more terrifying - that god (or gods) exists, or if nothing does and we are all alone? There is one particular monologue served by Hugh Grant set up as a rant by Mr. Reed to the sisters that offers a terrifying amount to think about for those who think critically about their mortality.

This is really a three-handed film, which works well for many reasons. One is that the limited scope truly hones in on the sense of claustrophobia within Mr. Reed's house; we know exactly who is within Sister Barnes' and Paxton's restricted world, and that there is one slim chance of help. Another is that each member of that core cast is giving their all; each member knows their designated role and adheres to it adamantly. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are very much yin and yang within the tight constraints of the Mormon world. You can tell they're cut from the same cloth, and yet distinctive in their performances, unique personalities with their own identifiable spirits.

Yet this film rests on Hugh Grant's shoulders, and this might be his finest work in quite some time; it's not often we see him in a serious role these days, but his encapsulation of Mr. Reed's ethos is perfection. He's smart - too smart, that's why he's ended up in this situation to begin with, creating this game to force religiously-minded folks to reevaluate their lives. He's twisted - he enjoys manipulation and domination. He's ruthless - he has a plan, and will not let anything uproot that. Most of all, he's disturbing - as a character, he doesn't even intend to be, and that's part of what makes Hugh Grant's portrayal so impressive.

It's not simply Grant's performance that achieves this. Scott Beck's and Bryan Woods' direction (who also both wrote the screenplay, also co-writing 'A Quiet Place' with John Krasinski), Chung-hoon Chung's cinematography ('Wonka', 'The Handmaiden') and Philip Messina's production design ('Mother!', 'The Hunger Games' franchise) all come together to make this a truly twisted affair. The sisters are always conscious that they're in the house of a man (and under Mormon rules, repeatedly insist that his wife must be present), but the framing always subconsciously reflects this too, leaving him dominating over the two women. The house's layout, designed to confuse its guests, also disorients the audience, leaving you feeling completely out of control.

Smart horror isn't a niche we get enough of these days, but seeing 'Heretic' filled me with an electricity. It fulfils the role of a horror or thriller in providing great unease or discomfort, but like a good film should, it left me with so much to think about and discuss once the final credits rolled. This will fly under the radar for too many reasons, and that's a sin (pun intended). I hope A24's good name will go some way in garnering attention, because this slick little film isn't just a physical puzzle for those trapped inside Mr. Reed's game - it's also a mental puzzle for audience members who dare to pick at the deep concepts it dares to challenge.