As someone who has spent countless hours watching horror films, I must say that Mr. Reed from “Heretic” is one of the most terrifying and intriguing villains I have ever encountered. Growing up, I was always drawn to the typical slasher flicks with their over-the-top killers and gory scenes, but it’s films like “Heretic” that truly leave a lasting impact.
The film previously labeled as a “Heretic” has now graced the big screens as part of the 2024 cinematic lineup, and boy, I can’t wait to discuss it!
If you’re familiar with me, you’d recognize that I’m a dedicated fan of A24’s top-tier horror films. For quite some time now, I’ve made it clear that A24 is committed to quality in their productions. Among the various excellent A24 movies available, their horror productions stand out as exceptional – arguably even the best, in my opinion.
In my opinion, Ari Aster’s movies like “Midsommar” and “Hereditary,” along with “Talk To Me,” “The Witch,” and numerous others, occupy top spots in the greatest horror films ever made. I believe “Heretic” has earned a place on that list as well now.
In a less alarming manner than some A24 productions, this film undeniably lives up to its hype, leaving you on the edge of your seat with mounting suspense as it unfolds. However, there’s one element that continues to give me chills – the captivating portrayal of a villain by Hugh Grant in the movie. Let’s delve into why his performance makes this film truly exceptional.
The Movie, Overall, Is Petrifying, Down To The Bone
To start with, let me express that “Heretic” is an outstanding horror movie overall. It’s downright chilling and falls under the category of what I call a ‘slow-burn horror’. Unlike many horror films, it doesn’t immediately plunge you into frightening moments. Instead, it gradually layers tension and unease over time, causing you to slowly question everything unfolding in the movie.
In this story, we follow Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, Mormon missionaries, who visit Mr. Reed, a seemingly normal resident. However, despite their best efforts, an unexpected series of events unfolds for these two women, leaving us powerless as we witness their situation deteriorate over time.
Although I don’t find this movie as terrifying or distressing as some other horror films I’ve watched, I can confidently place Heretic among my 2024 favorites like Longlegs, because it delivers the kind of horror that stimulates your mind, provokes analysis, and chills you at once.
However, the big winner of this film is Mr. Reed. And here’s why.
The Idea That These Kinds Of People Exist Out There Is What Makes It More Horrifying
Mr. Reed has a chilling quality about him; initially, he may not seem terrifying, but once you reflect on him, his villainous persona becomes genuinely unsettling.
He exhibits a common persona when opening the door, being a man with an interest in religion, who appears sincere about conversing with women and seeking more knowledge, offering them drinks and asking thoughtful questions. However, as he expresses his own views and displays his extensive knowledge, we start to uncover the true character hiding behind the facade.
A true control freak, if you will.
Mr. Reed is disturbing due to the existence of individuals like him. While it’s not common for such people to go as far as constructing a home around their convictions and manipulating others to such an extreme degree, there are certainly those who are deeply entrenched in their ideas and values, causing them to remain unyielding and significantly shaping their identities.
The phrase “falling down the rabbit hole” isn’t just a figure of speech; it has practical relevance in my life. On numerous occasions, I’ve found myself restraining from delving too deeply into intriguing subjects, which can be likened to metaphorical rabbit holes. Yet, Mr. Reed personifies this exact scenario perfectly.
This individual delved too far, too hastily, making it a defining aspect of their character. They’re determined to display this trait to all, disregarding whether it causes harm or not. Their faith is characterized by control, a characteristic that has been the foundation of every belief system. Now, they are imposing this conviction onto Paxton as she struggles to endure.
It seems unlikely that someone actually possesses a labyrinthine home similar to Mr. Reed’s, but his character strikes me as unusually lifelike.
He’s Not The Typical Horror Movie-Villain
As a die-hard horror enthusiast, I can’t help but conjure up an array of chilling characters when the topic turns to horror movie villains. Among these terrifying figures, there are some standouts that immediately come to mind. Michael Myers from the Halloween series, Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Jigsaw from the Saw franchise are just a few of the unforgettable antagonists that have left me shivering in my seat.
Regardless of the specific horror films I reference, they all feature notable antagonists. What unites them is their propensity for violence and death. Some are outright psychopaths who derive pleasure from inflicting pain on others. Others are killers seeking retribution. However, it’s immediately clear what their intentions are upon first encounter.
However, it’s unclear what Mr. Reed’s intentions are. At first glance, he appears to be an ordinary man, and as the story progresses, we remain unsure about his objectives. Is he planning to harm the girls? Assault them? Enslave them? Educate them? We’re left wondering, what is it that he desires?
What makes Mr. Reed truly terrifying is his enigmatic nature – the fact that we don’t have a clear understanding of him. Unlike other horror movie antagonists who can often be predicted or read more easily, Mr. Reed remains elusive because he appears normal until he reveals his true colors, usually at the climax of the film.
That, my friends, is how you build an antagonist with nuance, with personality, and with terror.
There’s A Beauty In His Subtle Horror That Other Horror Movies Should Learn From
Mr. Reed’s subtle horror holds an undeniable charm, and I believe many future horror films could benefit greatly by emulating this aspect.
Occasionally, it’s fun to sit through some horror movies like “Terrifier” or others that strive to be disturbing with their antagonists, but they shouldn’t aim for the level of unsettling portrayal as Mr. Reed. Nevertheless, I can confirm that many more subtly terrifying films could take a cue from Grant’s performance.
To create an exceptionally chilling horror movie antagonist, focus on making him amiable and ordinary, so indistinguishable from the good characters that it leaves viewers in doubt. Pepper in subtle characteristics that spark uncertainty, making viewers question his intentions and whether his words hold hidden meanings.
Since we often encounter such individuals in everyday life, whereas movies serve as an escape, at times, the most terrifying experiences reflect our own existence. In various aspects, “Heretic” does just that, and other horror films could follow suit.
I firmly believe that “Heretic” stands out as one of the top horror films of 2024. If your friend is contemplating watching it, by all means, persuade them to go to the cinema! Trust me, they’re in for a treat and may even find themselves craving blueberry pie afterwards.
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2024-11-12 02:07