‘Heretic’ reviewed by a former LDS Missionary

Heretic

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — “Heretic” stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, two Latter-day Saint Missionaries who are meeting a potential convert, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). As they are led into his home and begin to teach, it becomes clear Mr. Reed knows more than he’s letting on, and the sisters are now trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

I am a former LDS member and served a mission, so when the first trailer for ‘Heretic’ was released, I was immediately drawn into the unique idea. Not only for the idea of the LDS faith being used as a concept in a horror film, but that Hugh Grant would be giving a full turn into villainy in a way that we’ve not yet seen from his work… unless you include “Paddington 2.”

The story delves into the faith of these sister missionaries, and much like in a real mission field, they have differing opinions on subjects that Mr. Reed exploits to his benefit.

“Heretic” delivers well-written and complex characters with Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes. Sister Barnes is a convert to the church who was dealt a rough hand within her family, which led to her serving a mission. While Sister Paxton was born into the faith and, on the surface, has an innocence that can appear as naivety.

The conversations and writing in ‘Heretic’ are by far the most interesting, and the real fear comes from the conversations between the sisters and Mr. Reed.

Hugh Grant gives one of the best performances of his career as Mr. Reed. I was transfixed through every moment he was on screen. His character exudes ego and narcissism, but under the surface is a great depth of knowledge of religion and faith, and the ability to twist beliefs to justify his idea of “the one true faith”.

I loved the object lessons he gives the sisters. It brought me right back to my missionary experiences in teaching lessons, and the anxiety of first meeting someone who may want to be confrontational rather than hearing you out. Hugh Grant is exceptional and deserving of awards consideration this year.

As to whether or not active members of the LDS church should see ‘Heretic’? I believe they should. In media, “Mormons” have been seen as the butt of a joke, or a side character in a story not made for them with Hollywood almost mocking the perceived naivety of the members.

Very rarely does Hollywood attempt to give us strong, complex, and realistic LDS characters that can be challenged, have depth in their feelings, and most importantly are well-written. “Heretic” offers that, as well as a playground of psychological horror to explore LDS theology with respect for members who came to watch with an open mind.

What I found once the movie moved more toward the bloody moments and the horror scares is that I was longing to go back to the conversations. How rare is that in a horror film to prefer to just listen to a discussion? I did like the scares and felt the violence was needed for the story, but it’s a testament to the writing that it was just that powerful to me.

Overall, ‘Heretic’ may be the most personal film of the year for me. I was amazed at the attention to detail and depth of story directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods gave their characters, and cannot wait to engage in the conversations after the film releases next week.

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