TIFF Review: Hugh Grant is Hypnotic in ‘Heretic’

Conversations about religion are not often the basis for horror movies. At the same time, debating religious teachings and doctrine can go to some strange places. Whether you believe or not, and for the record, I’m a non-believer, Heretic is a unique horror effort begging to be discussed. Playing at the Toronto International Film Festival, it’s a genre work with a tremendous turn at its core.

Heretic builds slowly but surely, ratcheting up the tension consistently. The balloon does run out of air a bit at the end, but that point it has built up enough goodwill to survive. The three performances are very good, with Hugh Grant especially worthy of note. Simply put, this might be his best work to date. He’s just that strong as the ominous figure at the center of it all.

Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) are spreading the good word of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Barnes is a little bit more worldly than Paxton, but they’re young women of faith, out to do, in their minds, some good. When they reach the home of Mr. Reed (Grant), they’re expecting to follow up on a request for some information about the Mormon Church. He has something entirely in mind.

Initially, they’re invited in, told that his wife is baking a pie in the other room. He’s cordial and charming, if a bit quirky. As they talk, things begin moving in a direction the girls are fairly unsettled by, including the surprising amount of knowledge about all religions he possesses. When they attempt to leave, the front door is locked. Reed insists they’re free to go, but that seems unlikely. What follows is very much a surprise, but one that keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting to find out what happens next.

Hugh Grant has rarely, if ever, been better than he is here. That takes nothing away from Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher. It just speaks to how good Grant is. He’s playing against type and having such a good time, too. That sense of fun is imbued in the entire performance, which is dark and off-putting, but also completely hypnotic. East gets to do the most evolving, character-wise, while Thatcher has the best reactions to the situation. Together, it’s an impressive trio. The small cast also includes River Codack and Stephanie Lavigne, but it’s Grant who runs away with the show.

Filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods turn the screws well, while the production design, as well as the cinematography from Chung-hoon Chung, are all far better than your run of the mill genre work. For what’s ostensibly a chamber piece, Beck and Woods always give you something to look at, as well as something to ponder. Does it all add up perfectly? No. Does a lot of the finale seem like it’s out of a less unique film? Yes. Yet, you’re engaged throughout and eager to find out what happens next, which is a credit to their script. They’ve written something interesting and shot the hell out of it. Kudos.

Heretic is an A24 horror movie, without question, but it also works as a tension-filled drama. In fact, most of the best bits aren’t even trying to frighten you. When they let Grant run wild, it’s actually fairly funny. That gives this flick a lot of personality, making it more than just another horror effort playing at TIFF. In that regard, it’s a largely successful work. When it comes to theaters in November, it has a chance to be a decent sized horror hit.

SCORE: ★★★