Day 9 of the 2025 Halloween Horror Movie Marathon

I sort of remember a lot of people trashing this when it came out, but I loved it. Hugh Grant was perfectly creepy and both Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East were outstanding.

The sense of dread began as soon as the two young missionaries arrive at Mr. Reed's (Hugh Grant) house. His conversation is unnerving and his evasive mentions of his wife are even more unsettling. The isolation is like a weight on your chest as you watch the fear settle in on the girls.

The script is brilliant as Mr. Reed lays out the folly of religion by comparing it to boards games and music, stressing the iterations of each and how they evolved (or devolved) over the years. The girls struggle to cling to their faith as Reed grows more and more aggressive. I can't say much more without spoilers!

There was a point near the end that I thought the film was going to implode, but it stayed true to its course and nailed the ending. I found Heretic to be both chilling and thought-provoking. A solid A and highly recommended.