‘You’ll Find Him Utterly Terrifying.’ Critics Weigh In On Heretic, The Latest Chapter In Hugh Grant’s Villain Era

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As someone who has been following Hugh Grant’s career since the days of Bridget Jones and Notting Hill, I must say that his transformation into a chilling horror villain in Heretic is nothing short of astounding. The man who once melted our hearts with his romantic charm now sends shivers down our spines with his eerie portrayal of Mr. Reed.

Despite Halloween wrapping up, the lineup of forthcoming horror films remains thrilling. Notably, A24 has been a significant distributor of top-tier horror movies lately, and Hugh Grant aspires to join their success stories with his role in Heretic. In this film, Grant portrays Mr. Reed, who challenges the beliefs of two Mormon missionaries. Following several of his recent ventures like The Undoing and Paddington 2, Grant has utilized his romantic comedy appeal in an unexpected manner. With the movie set to release on November 8, critics are already expressing their impressions of his chilling performance, terming it “completely terrifying”.

According to our understanding, the movie named “Heretic” features Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as two young women who unexpectedly knock on Mr. Reed’s door, leading to a perilous struggle for their lives. Unlike many movies scheduled for release in 2024, the trailer for “Heretic” is quite discreet, revealing very little about the film. In the TopMob review of “Heretic”, Eric Eisenberg praises it as one of the year’s top horror films, giving it a score of 4 out of 5 stars. Here, I’ll make sure to maintain a spoiler-free discussion to preserve this trend.

In the film “Heretic,” Hugh Grant shines brilliantly, making it a memorable watch due to his captivating acting. Over the years, audiences have grown fond of Grant’s unique blend of British allure, seen in both comedies and romantic films. This charming demeanor is utilized effectively as Mr. Reed persuades Barnes and Paxton to enter his home. However, Grant later uses the goodwill earned from these emotional performances for a startling portrayal of his character’s true nature. He doesn’t resort to overt displays of anger or physical menace; instead, he poses a danger as an alluring guide who leads the young women into a metaphorical maze. Even his once endearing smile becomes chilling in this new context.

According to Mark Kennedy from AP, the movie “Heretic” receives a score of 3 out of 4 stars. He notes that by the midpoint, viewers might find themselves yearning for reduced religious themes and increased violence. Notably, an “utterly terrifying” performance by Hugh Grant will satisfy this demand.

In the first half of Heretic, the construction and acting are so captivating that you might not even realize when it transforms into a chilling horror tale. Though you might think you’ve outsmarted the missionaries, they’re always one step ahead. Mr. Reed skillfully blends elements of Spider-Man and Voltaire, Radiohead and the Hollies, Wendy’s and Taco Bell, all while wielding his natural charisma like a weapon. He shares his intriguing views on religion, a theory as grand as his personality. And let me tell you, there might be some eerie secrets hidden in his basement. When he confesses, “It’s all terrifying. It is scary. I’m scared,” he’s not just being cute – he’s warning us about the dangers of organized religions. Trust me; by the end, you’ll find him downright terrifying.

According to Matthew Jackson’s review at AV Club, the film “Heretic” is given a B+ rating. He praises the script for its ability to build tension through dialogue, and commends the three main actors for their performances that keep viewers hooked throughout the gripping and original thriller. In simpler words, he’s saying that the dialogue in the movie creates suspense, and the lead actors do a great job of keeping viewers engaged during the entire watch of this unique and engaging thriller.

In a remarkable display of acting prowess, Hugh Grant skillfully portrays this peculiar character as a blend of unsettling creep, compassionate theologian, and cunning outlaw. However, it is his ability to captivate an audience that truly sets him apart as a showman. Grant has been impressively using his romantic comedy appeal and vulnerability to breathe life into malicious characters, but in “Heretic,” he goes beyond this trend by striving not only to defy our assumptions but also to establish fresh expectations regarding the limits of his versatile persona. This exceptional performance takes center stage throughout the movie, yet it is not a solo act. Thatcher and East hold their own, with East standing out as an emerging talent worth keeping an eye on.

According to Siddhant Adlakha from Inverse, although there are some built-in flaws, the upcoming A24 film promises to be thrilling and will undoubtedly leave cinema-goers on tenterhooks with their hands clenched around popcorn. The critic emphasizes:

“Few movies blend silliness and heart-racing excitement quite like Heretic, which tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries drawn into a complex test of their beliefs. The film is similar to Saw for Reddit atheists, featuring a captivatingly cunning performance by Grant, whose image as a romantic lead is flipped on its head. Although the plot seems spontaneous, with each twist coming out of nowhere, the skillful way the directing team builds tension is truly impressive.

As a devoted fan, I echo Patrick Cavanaugh’s sentiments from ComicBook.com. He assigns a score of 3 out of 5, concurring with fellow critics that Heretic fails to offer fresh perspectives on religion. However, the first act of the movie left me intrigued, promising it could be one of A24’s outstanding horror productions. Unfortunately, the tension seems to wane as the story unfolds.

In an unusual and intriguing manner, Heretic stands out by offering something distinct from the work of directors Beck and Woods, as well as actor Grant – something never quite experienced before. This uniqueness alone makes it worth watching. Although the film’s exploration of organized religion and belief may not present entirely novel questions to those who have personally wrestled with such concepts, it’s commendable that it dares to address these topics at all. Whether the complex and convoluted manner in which these themes are presented will resonate with every viewer remains to be seen, but we prefer a thought-provoking genre film over a shallow slasher that prioritizes shock value over depth any day.

Overall, critics have been highly praising the work done by Hugh Grant and his fellow actors, with the film “Heretic” receiving a Certified Fresh rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes as we approach its theater release. If you still crave some chills this season, make sure to catch it in theaters starting November 8.

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2024-11-06 04:37