Heretic 2024 Torrent
50/37
Two religious young women are drawn into a game of cat and mouse in the home of a strange man. The closing credits feature the disclaimer: “No Generative Al was used in the making of this film.” Two Mormon missionaries, Paxton and Barnes, are lured into the home of the mild-mannered and knowledgeable Mr. Reed. He is eager to discuss his beliefs and hear the good news. Too eager. When the discussion of theology takes a dark turn, the sisters are equally eager to leave. If they can. Heretic is an intense, chilling, and frighteningly honest discussion of the horror of ideas. It’s thrilling to see where each topic and twist takes the characters. I enjoyed the deep dialogues about myths, choices, and strange topics like polygamy and Mormon underwear. Hugh Grant (Mr. Reed) was in attendance for this world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Grant seemed to relish the atypical role for him of playing a “villain.” He was well-cast alongside Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher, both also in attendance at the premiere, as they all seemed to be acting instinctively and from the heart. East and Thatcher were both Mormons, and Grant connected with certain aspects of Mr. Reed. “I found,” Grant said of his character’s views on religion, “that we had a lot in common.” No wonder they were so good. They were channeling some of their life experiences. Great casting. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, the New York Film Festival and more.