We believe it’s safe to say that Hugh Grant has delivered his career-best performance in A24’s Heretic, an upcoming horror thriller from directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, also starring Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace. The film currently holds a ‘fresh’ critic score of 93% based on 60 certified reviews. The globally renowned English actor has delivered some of his best work in the last decade, in films like Florence Foster Jenkins (88%), Paddington 2 (99%), The Gentlemen (75%), Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (91%), and Wonka (82%).
Heretic, written by Beck and Woods (A Quiet Place), follows two young Mormon missionaries, East and Thatcher, as they try to convert people in a small town. Thatcher’s character, Sr. Barns, sees decent success, while East’s Sr. Paxton struggles to gain converts. The pair decides to impress Mr. Reed (Grant), who invites them to his home for pie and a chat—but they don’t get any pie!
Early reactions to Heretic are highly positive, with much of the praise directed at Grant’s compelling villainous turn. Beck and Woods’ direction has also received acclaim; however, some critics have pointed out the film’s slow pacing and overly talkative tone.
Doctor Strange and The Black Phone scribe C. Robert Cargill has nothing except praises for Heretic, calling the film “a masterpiece of modern horror” in his latest tweet.
HERETIC is a masterpiece of modern horror. Creepy, taut, brilliantly written. Hugh Grant takes all of his acting ticks & tricks that usually make him so charming, turning them on their ear, making him positively diabolical. Beck & Woods deft hands craft something so fucking good. pic.twitter.com/xNWVLgfhnz
— C. Robert Cargill (@Massawyrm) September 24, 2024
Discussing Film has hailed the latest Hugh Grant starrer as one of the most unique horror flicks of 2024.
‘HERETIC’ is one of the most unique horror films of 2024, thanks to Hugh Grant’s devilish performance.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 29, 2024
Find out more in our review... https://t.co/dsubaa5uix
The Irish Times, in its 4 out of 5-star review, also singled out Grant’s terrific performance.
Heretic review: Hugh Grant has a ball tormenting young Mormon doorsteppers in this gleeful horror thriller https://t.co/pG9sT31um6 via @IrishTimesCultr
— Irish Times Culture (@IrishTimesCultr) October 30, 2024
Jeff Conway from Forbes has declared Heretic one of the best movies of 2024.
Thank you all for making my NEW @hereticmovie review the TOP-VIEWED entertainment article at @Forbes over the past 24 hours! 🙏 @A24 @beckandwoods @ChineseTheatres @AFIFEST @AmericanFilm
— Jeff Conway (@jeffconway) October 29, 2024
So, why all the fuss? Find out HERE: https://t.co/nNYSu4OZTu pic.twitter.com/2XgmZPd1de
Courtney Howard from Variety called the film “deliciously twisted”, directing praise towards the leading man’s performance and the directors’ ability to craft Hitchcockian levels of suspense and smarts.
#Heretic is deviously twisted. A clever concept fully fleshed out. Beck and Woods carefully craft Hitchcockian levels of suspense and smarts. Keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Hugh Grant is terrific in pure sicko mode. pic.twitter.com/HUWE2yxXIY
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) October 25, 2024
Heretic is undoubtedly set to emerge as another A24 masterpiece for 2024. It will be released in the U.S. on November 15 and in the U.K. on November 22. Stay tuned for more updates.
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