Claustrophobic 'Heretic' is a poignant, horrifying exploration of belief and disbelief
Heretic 4 out of 5 Stars Director: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods Writer: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East Rated: R for some bloody violence.
Synopsis: Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Review: Living in Salt Lake City, the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there was certainly a stir that came with the release of the trailer for "Heretic." The idea of two women missionaries being trapped in the home of a man with dubious intentions struck a nerve with those who have, had, or will have sent their daughters and sons on proselyting missions. The missing person ads for Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, the film's characters, that appeared in the Salt Lake City International Airport during the semi-annual conference gathering of the LDS faith upped the ante. A24 has always known how to push buttons.
Keep in mind that horror by its very definition is supposed to make you feel vulnerable. That's why we see so many horror films with children protagonists. Missionaries, both male and female, are vulnerable. It might not be a fact that anyone wants to admit but visiting the homes of strangers is inherently risky. I, having grown up as a member of the church, served in Bethlehem and Allen Town area of Pennsylvania. It was an incredibly cold winter with record snow totals. Icy roads made travelling by car or bicycle difficult. The environment itself was dangerous.
The film starts with a rather awkward conversation between Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) about condoms and pornography. One audience member after the film made the remark that the filmmakers clearly hadn't done any research. I'd beg to differ. It's not how I'd introduce the characters, but the conversation isn't completely implausible. I'd suggest that the bus bench they are sitting on was the catalyst.
Following a brief montage that explores the physical and mental demands of being a missionary. It ends with the missionaries knocking on the door of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), a potential investigator. Now, it is more likely that male missionaries would be sent to meet with Mr. Reed. It is not impossible that two women would respond, and Sisters Barnes and Paxton are clear in that they will need to leave if Mr. Reed's wife doesn't join them.
Reed needles the missionaries. Attacks their belief. This is normal. The inability for Sister Barnes and Paxton isn't. Doors that once opened now refuse to unlock. The atmosphere becomes claustrophobic. Shadows move. Strange sounds scrape and creek from dark corners.
Mr. Reed offers a presentation. Rails against religion. His voice, though often calm, is laced with malevolence. Sisters Barnes and Paxton don't simply wilt. Mr. Reed's psychological assault is persuasive, but not definitive. The situation is unfamiliar to the missionaries. The conversation itself, is not.
What follows is initially a psychological horror that slowly gives way to something more visceral. Even then, it is more grotesque than it is gory. The ending, while purposefully open to interpretation, is surprisingly poignant.
"Heretic" is flawed, but predominantly intelligent. The performances are excellent. The tension is thick, and its ideas are bound to spark conversation. What is belief? Can it be precisely defined? And what about faith? How does experience influence perception?
I braced for something different. I'm quite happy with what I was given. A pair of heroines for the ages.
