HERETIC (2024)

Rarely does a film toe the line between psychological thriller and religious critique, while being billed as an outright horror, succeed in all departments. Even more rare is an aging rom-com star subtly playing such a convincing menace. The second act of Hugh Grant’s career continues to impress, with his insistence on playing vastly different and interesting characters in his latest projects, including: Paddington 2 (2017), The Gentlemen (2019), The Undoing (2020) and Wonka (2023). With a game Grant, writer-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods deliver an excellent addition to the Chiller genre with a film that explores the use of disingenuous good manners in tense situations. A penchant for pretending all is fine and employing respectful etiquette in order to avoid offending when under threat is not a new concept (see our Speak No Evil review) and the team present an entertaining and interesting commentary on the tactic, notably when the cat and mouse scenario deepens into a battle of belief systems. What are your expectations when two young Mormen women (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, both excellent), enter the house of a potential convert? Cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung, best known for his work with director Park Chan-wook for Oldboy (2003), The Handmaiden (2016) and Lady Vengeance (2005), aggravates the tension with sweeping shots around cramped corners in dimly lit halls that sucks the air out of each room we enter, making the house and its dizzying sense of structure another dangerous character for the mice to contend with.

WATCH OR NOT: WATCH

Additional musings: Heretic is Martyrs-lite, being that the themes are similar, though Martys (2008) is much more violent and in your face. If you know, you know.