‘Heretic’ Tops Max’s Streaming Charts, Outperforms Oscar-Winner ‘Flow’!

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In the psychological thriller “Heretic,” Mr. Reed, portrayed by Hugh Grant, plays a dangerous game that takes advantage of the idea of one true religion, placing Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton in grave danger. This film, which earned $58.1 million globally with a production budget of just $10 million, is currently the most-watched movie on Max, surpassing even “Flow,” an Oscar-winning animation that ranks second.

The captivating narrative and ominous ambiance of the film significantly enhance its quality, yet a large part of its success is undeniably attributed to its exceptional acting trio. Thatcher and Paxton deliver compelling performances as the ordinary characters spreading God’s message, but Grant’s mesmerizing portrayal of Mr. Reed should not be overlooked. In fact, the actor went to great lengths to infuse a sense of authenticity into this wicked character. As Grant shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:

In most stories, villains often wear a mask, and this tale is no exception. It would have spoiled the narrative if the wickedness of the character was immediately evident when Sophie and Chloe first met. Instead, a gradual unveiling keeps the audience guessing. In this case, the slower the revelation, the better.

The individual labeled as a heretic received high praise from fans, which translated into a strong 76% rating on Popcornmeter at Rotten Tomatoes and a decent “C+” grade from CinemaScore, especially in the horror genre. However, the chilling story crafted by directors Bryan Woods and Scott Beck was exceptionally well-received by critics.

‘Heretic’ Boasts an Incredible “Certified Fresh” Rating

A film deemed as a “heretic” captivated most film critics, eventually earning a 91% rating on the Tomatometer. Generally, it takes a rare horror movie to impress the crowd of dark-themed movie critics, and Hugh Grant’s involvement was frequently highlighted in reviews. The actor truly deserved the praise he received for his exceptional portrayal of a twisted character at the age of 64. In an interview with GamesRadar+, Grant expressed:

Currently, I’m meticulously reviewing the script multiple times, almost like combing it with an extra-fine toothcomb. This repetitive process helps me understand why certain actions or words are chosen, and it sheds light on various aspects of him and his past. This insight accumulates, eventually forming a comprehensive biography that I’ve typed out on my computer about his relationships with his parents, siblings, and other significant figures in his life.

What transpired at school? What unfortunate events took place and caused him pain that ultimately led him down this dark path to become the monster he has become today? I believe it’s crucial for the audience to sense the inner turmoil he is experiencing. If we only portray him as a stock villain, there’s a risk of losing their empathy. However, if they can catch a whiff of the pain and suffering within him, then his character becomes more intriguing.

In this revised version, I used simpler language and tried to make the sentence structure easier to follow while preserving the original meaning. The emphasis on sensing the inner turmoil and the use of “catch a whiff” help to convey the idea that the audience should be able to empathize with the character’s suffering, making him more interesting.

Sources: Entertainment Weekly, GamesRadar+

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2025-03-11 00:06