25/16
Chronology
Two young religious women are drawn into a game of cat and mouse in the house of a strange man
The end credits contain the statement: “No generative Al was used in the making of this film.” The Heretic is as unpredictable as it is messy.
Hugh Grant gives a standout performance, with Sophie Thatcher and Cloe East also shining in their roles
While the film keeps you on your toes for most of its running time, the plot begins to wear thin in the final act.
Unfortunately, the plot is the film’s weakest point
The director, cinematographer and set designer are also well-deserved as they gradually immerse you in the increasing madness of Grant’s character and his strange house.
The climax left me slightly disappointed as I was expecting something deeper
The tension and mystery build nicely at first, but around the two-thirds mark, it starts to unravel.
Still, “Heretic” is an excellent horror film in its own right – enjoyable, but not quite as memorable as I’d hoped
Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, New York Film Festival and more.
