A24’s recent film starring Hugh Grant is everything you could want from a religious horror movie.
The film is about two Mormon missionaries, Paxton (Chloe East) and Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), who end up trapped in Mr. Reed’s (Hugh Grant) house. Their horrific circumstances force them to question their lifelong beliefs.
Writers and directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were nominated at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards for best screenplay. The script is important, meant to spark a religious conversation outside of the movie theater. In the beginning, it reads as an attack on Christianity. However, as the film progresses viewers realize that it is a critique of religion itself.
Hugh Grant collected many nominations and awards for his role in the film, including Best Leading Actor at the BAFTA Awards. While East and Thatcher were not nominated, their performances were stunning. East plays the kindhearted and bubbly Sister Paxton, and Thatcher plays the quiet and supportive Sister Barnes.
Sound design is a crucial part of any film, particularly for horror films. Sound designer Eugenio Battaglia, credits include Longlegs (2024) and The Monkey (2025), amazed me. Cinematographer Chung-hoo Chung, credits include Last Night in Soho (2021) and The Handmaiden (2016), captured incredible shots throughout the film.
Overall, I would rate this film 4/5. The writing and visual elements created a dynamic and scary film. Heretic (2024) is available to stream on Max and to purchase on AppleTV.
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