Heretic (2024)

Heretic is one of the best horror films of recent years; or at least it is during its first two thirds.

The film follows two young missionary girls who, during a stormy night, arrive at the wrong door. They are greeted by the disturbing Mr. Reed (played by Hugh Grant), who seems to have his own plans for them.

As the night progresses, the three characters are caught up in a game of psychological tension, where faith and survival are tested in the midst of a brutal confrontation.

The film progresses and crescendos, managing not only to keep you on the edge of your seat for what might happen, but to make you reflect on the approaches and ideas around religions that are emerging.

Of course, you're so amazed that the last third of the film comes as a bit of a shock, not throwing overboard what you've already seen but opting for the easy, generic horror film route.

The film examines how religious and personal beliefs can be challenged in extreme situations, and the extent to which faith can be manipulated or tested by desperation.

The figure of Mr. Reed becomes a symbol of control, where the power play focuses on mental and emotional manipulation, leading the characters to question their own perception of reality.

The film is still very good as a whole, and almost solely because of how spectacular Hugh Grant is. His Mr Reed is not a typical horror villain: the disturbing thing about his character lies in his relative calm, the intelligence behind his plans and even his smile.

In a just world, it would be an awards-worthy performance; but we know how the academies treat horror films.