Heretic (2024)

I hadn't heard of this title when I found it in the library, but a summary mentioning Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the same directors as A Quiet Place (not Part II), convinced me to give it a try. Given the religious focus, I opted out of inviting a friend, in case we strongly disagreed on it.

On a rainy day in Boulder, two young adult Mormon missionaries, Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and more experienced Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), visit the home of one Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), who previously expressed interest in discussion of their faith. They gradually realize that despite his amiable demeanor, he'd rather proselytize to them, albeit remaining cagey about "the one true religion." More importantly, he's dishonest and manipulative. Then they discover that the old-fashioned house is designed not to be exited easily or allow phone signals. Reed claims they're free to go; they just have to make careful choices first....

I've seen Grant as bad guys before, but this may be his first intimidating role. Oddly enough, he never really stops carrying himself like a fun comparative religions professor, even when his "guests" know better. Nor does he use or threaten violence until the movie's more than half over. I almost get the impression that thrills were an afterthought for Beck and Woods.

Reed's first challenges to Paxton and Barnes are particular to LDS. He expands his objections to Christianity, all Abrahamic faiths, and ultimately the rest. For my part, I was already familiar with his points, aside from certain colorful allegories.

I became concerned that this was one of those stories whose makers related more to the villain than to other characters, but it doesn't precisely preach atheism. Barnes, at least, has solid rebuttals, and nobody budges in their belief or disbelief. The making-of documentary on the DVD does not indicate the directors' stance, but they were pleased that East and Thatcher both came from Mormon backgrounds and consulted their devout friends. The LDS Church itself was less bothered by the depiction of Paxton and Barnes (as well as a church elder played by Topher Grace) than by the R-rated harm that befalls them and Reed's prior victims.

Apart from Grant's acting and the distinctive subject, the highlight is in the cinematography. Everything about the house reflects Reed, and like him, it slides from pleasant to subtly off to creepy to nasty. The camerawork takes some unintuitive directions as well.

As A24 horrors go, Heretic is eminently watchable. I would have been fine viewing with said friend after all.