Dark Discussions - Episode 648 - HERETIC (2024)

Dark Discussions Podcast

Religious horror has been around forever. Obviously much of it has been related to demons, exorcisms, the devil, and vampires. Much of it has focused upon faith versus nihilism. Well, the new film HERETIC (2024) takes an interesting twist with this subgenre of horror. What if filmmakers decided to pursue more a philosophical approach.

Two Mormon missionaries, young woman Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), have donated their time to knock on doors to spread the word of God as well as promoting their religion. Following up on a lead from a man named Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), they leave the downtown area and knock on his door. He welcomes them in, offers them some blueberry pie that his wife has made, and listens to the young ladies and asks follow up questions.

Scott Beck and Bryan Wood, the screenwriters of A QUIET PLACE (2018), both directed and wrote this new psychological horror film. Starring Hugh Grant once again in an expected and fabulous performance, the film is heavy on dialogue allowing actresses Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher to play directly against Grant’s Mr. Reed. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.