As a seasoned gamer and horror movie enthusiast with over three decades of immersing myself in the darkest corners of virtual reality and the silver screen, I must say that Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ Heretic is a unique and chilling addition to the genre. It’s not often that a film can leave me on edge just by watching characters engage in an escalating conversation, but Heretic does it masterfully.
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ “Heretic” undeniably falls under the horror genre, but it stands out as an unusual representative of this category. Rather than relying on jump scares or graphic violence, this latest offering effectively chills you to the bone by focusing on characters engaged in a tense dialogue. The movie’s effectiveness can be attributed to various elements, but the captivating performances by leads Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East are undoubtedly crucial. I had an opportunity to speak with these actors about evoking fear for the film during its Los Angeles press day at the end of last month.
In the recently released horror film, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East portray Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton – two Mormon missionaries who find themselves in peril after encountering a mysterious man called Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) at his doorstep. The movie’s terror stems from the audience’s ability to relate and feel anxious alongside the characters as they grow increasingly uneasy. Thatcher attributes much of her compelling performance to her experienced co-star, who not only provided ample material for reaction, but kept scenes engaging by constantly trying out new tactics during filming. She stated that he was instrumental in making her role convincing.
Mostly, we were responding to Hugh’s performances. He’s incredibly talented and brings such energy and unpredictability to every take that it keeps things from getting too repetitive. I guess you could say we were reacting, and honestly, it feels like a privilege not to have to imagine much because he’s always present. [Laugh]
In an unanticipated twist, Hugh Grant finds himself delving into unfamiliar territory, having built a career primarily on romantic comedies and dramas showcasing his unique blend of bumbling British allure. However, this reputation becomes a crucial component in the film, as it essentially employs his screen persona as a weapon. His charm and smile serve as an irresistible lure, only to reveal a sinister edge once you fully comprehend the metaphorical dagger he conceals behind his back. This intriguing facet of the movie has garnered it praise from critics, including myself, as evidenced in my four-star review for TopMob.
After Sophie Thatcher’s remarks, Grant clarified that during the filming of Heretic, there would be certain scenes revealing a small peek beyond the character’s mask to keep the audience guessing – and acknowledging the role post-production played, he attributed the final version of his performance in the movie to their craftsmanship. In simpler terms, Grant stated that some parts of Heretic would show a bit more of the real character behind the mask, thanks to the post-production team’s work, which ultimately shaped his acting for the film’s final release.
In my opinion, it was only occasionally necessary to reveal, ever so slightly, that “He’s not exactly as he appears.” This keeps the character entertained because he sees it as a game. It makes for an enjoyable evening, filled with conversation about religion and intriguing door games. Maintaining this facade seems to fuel the movie’s energy. But every now and then, there’s a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. I believe the film has been skillfully edited, as it occasionally cuts back to him making an inappropriate expression.
This upcoming movie titled “Heretic” distributed by A24 will be available in all cinemas starting this Friday, November 8th. Although the trailer doesn’t give away any spoilers, it’s highly recommended to catch a glimpse before the plot twists become common knowledge in online conversations.
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2024-11-08 04:07