MY CALL: Wow. This film is… a lecture hall experience. Hugh Grant is a charmer of a villain in this very intellectual horror. Probably not recommended for the devout, and more for the agnostic. MOVIES LIKE Heretic: Some other interesting forays into religious horror include Azrael (2024) and The First Omen (2024).
Eager to save and baptize souls on their Mormon mission, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher; Maxxxine, The Boogeyman) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East; The Wolf of Snow Hollow) work through their list of names and addresses to make their way to the home of Mr. Reed.
Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant; The Lair of the White Worm) is every bit as exceedingly charming as the actor filling his shoes. And from the very outset of their soul saving introductions, Reed peppers them with his knowledgeable religious inklings interspersed with poignant yet directly personal questions about his would-be saviors. These questions quickly verge upon invasive, and his inquiries begin to arouse spiritual origins clearly outside of the purview of the Church of Latter-Day Saints… even directly challenging LDS practices and general common religious practices alike.
Not 15 minutes into their house call, Sisters Barnes and Paxton have come to realize that Mr. Reed has proselytizing plans of his own for them. They are trapped in his home and require his “help” to find their way home. And now, his challenges of their perception, family values, and denial that shape their religious beliefs put a perverse twist to their house call. Is this a game that can be solved and won? Is it simply a cruel punishment to these religious women?
In many ways, this film feels like one of the most engaging theology-philosophy-history lectures I ever had the privilege to enjoy. The whole script is thoughtful repartee. I find it all captivating, somewhat as an intellectual exercise contesting for or against religion, and somewhat as a hostage chamber thriller.
Sure, aspects of this story may challenge one’s suspension of disbelief. But I loved this. Hugh Grant is such a delight even when donning the antagonist’s hat. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (Haunt, Nightlight) co-wrote and co-directed this theological curiosity, and I now cannot wait for their next project!