A24’s Heretic is a brilliant dive into religious horror that’s as thought-provoking as it is chilling. 

The story follows two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) who are sent to a remote town on a faith mission. Things start to spiral when they cross paths with Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, whose performance nails it. Grant’s Mr. Reed appears kind and inquisitive but as our film continues we notice a  mysterious and quietly sinister, drawing Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton  into deep, unsettling debates about faith, morality, and the very essence of evil. It isn’t long before the missionaries find themselves in the grip of his manipulation and psychological terror. I promise you will never look at blueberries and Monopoly the same. 

At its heart, Heretic digs into the complexities of belief, balancing horror with big philosophical questions. While it might seem like it challenges your beliefs, I think it actually does the opposite—it nudges you to look at your faith closely, only to ultimately stand even stronger in it. Hugh Grant’s casting is a stroke of genius; he’s known for his charming, lovable roles, and here he flips that completely. His character is someone you’d naturally trust, and that’s precisely the problem. It’s a brilliant twist that makes the film even more intense.

This is easily one of the best horror films of the year and a standout project from A24. It mixes real scares with thoughtful dialogue, making each moment feel suspenseful and dangerous. The twists keep you guessing, and the story has a way of provoking deep thoughts while still delivering on pure horror. Rather than attacking beliefs, the film explores them, suggesting that questioning can lead to stronger faith instead of doubt.

I can’t recommend this enough; it’s definitely one of my favorite films of the year. I’ll be going back to see it again. If you’re in the mood for a horror film that entertains and makes you think, Heretic is an absolute must-watch.

Pros: Great plot, not too preachy, Hugh Grant shines 

Cons: They don’t look alike at all outside of this film, but in it, Sophie Thatcher bore a strong resemblance to Kendall Jenner to me. I eventually got over it, but for the first five minutes, I couldn’t see past it.