For me, the idea of a supreme power that governs everything is scary but for some people not believing due to the supreme power is scarier. Such phenomena are explored in more depth thanks to Scott Beck and Bryan Woods in their movie “Heretic” which goes into a depth analysis of religion and faith. Just like any mainstream horror movie this one also talks about their flaws, but in this film, the authors chose a more educational approach. They go ahead and ask the question of why we believe in the things we do.
The movie is the utmost glimpse of human civilization. It has put together hundreds of religions and their core narratives. Together they tell a story that displays in-depth analysis in fullness as it portrays tension and excites us. The movie’s intention for us to use both our brains and our hearts is a rare occurrence in cinema. The movie does not lack in terms of quality as the production and acting of the movie are remarkable as well. Of course, there are some times when the film runs out of steam, however, that is unavoidable since it deals with beliefs- faith is always complicated and multifaceted. Overall this would be a strong debut for A24.
Two young ladies from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), received a query for further details from a gentleman Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). They do not break their dictation by proceeding to Mr. Reed’s house without his wife being there, but he claims that his wife is in another room and is making a pie. They can even smell the blueberries being cooked. So they walk in and start a theological conversation with Reed, only for him to change the discussion quite rapidly, interviewing the girls regarding their faith. After all, they do think that there is a god in the kitchen, like his spouse. Because this is what has been drummed into them.
Without giving you too much information I will just say that Mr. Reed has other intentions for Sisters Barnes and Paxton which include making them gouge through brutality, After all is said, the movie keeps you at the edge of your seat throughout the first half with the young women striving to juggle their occupation alongside the anxiety they are feeling. Can they think their way out of what seems like a more and more malicious situation? Does Mr. Reed’s myriad of questions even have a right answer? Innocent Beck and Woody are to please draw up a script that fits such unique sociopathic behavior, this combination of American history and the emergence of a new religion is rather spectacular. It’s “Saw” meets “Silence.”
Grant is enjoying himself as he entertains the audience. Recently he’s been exploring the grittier side of his character but to best put it, he’s always been leaning toward it, and well best work in years goes to him speaking English. Haha he is supported too, especially by his castmates and East, he in particular praises. Her Paxton is for sure the more high-maintenance of the two, that is to say, Paxton feels more developed even the way she says “pornography” during the opening dialogue of the movie. East also refuses to portray her simply as a helpless victim. Runs for approximately 2 hours and almost all of it is more of a three-hander which of course would not work if the actors, Thatcher, Grant, and East did not understand the needed assignment.
Heretic is beautifully shot, thanks to cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung. Chung has a history of stunning cinematography, working on films such as Old Boy. Chung masterfully captures the essence of the film from all angles, even closely depicting dark staircases and long hallways, tightening the notion of being set in a claustrophobic environment. Furthermore, themes of chaos and sadness are perfectly integrated with tear-filled eyes and sinister grins close to the camera. The lead actors are also tightly filmed, combined with the focus on other elements to make the film more interesting. The tight filming is crucial for the film to succeed Funny enough the film would’ve likely benefited from even more style in the camera work, which I think would’ve helped the more flashy nature of the film, however, this isn’t too necessary.
Because the movie has such a large focus on dialogue in the beginning it is easy to expect there to be a large shift halfway through the movie, when Mr Reed takes the stage and begins delivering action plans. For the reason of having aspects of the unknown cut out the film loses its core but the essence is still present. There are many interpretations of this film but one thing is for sure, the movie delivers.
Analyzing some of the choices in the closing of the film in Shaheer Nasri’s opinion is very intriguing but in some ways, it does remain very absurd and mystifying, which is the case when we are forced to observe Karen Paxton and Sister Barnes in their standalone feeling of helplessness. A vicious dream unraveling thereof joins in tormenting that relies much more graphically than Mary Reed’s extended schemes long note regarding MS as a deficient. Why does one believe whatever they believe? Is it only because one has been instructed to? Or Are there things that lie behind the countless plethora of novels that Reed claims to have read? “Heretic” is a black film in the sense it encompasses utterly spine-quilling and disturbing theories such as there being no life after death, and all the things we have worked for are worth nothing, possibly even lies. But then again this surely does not mean that the movie is as anti-Christian as it seems, it is more thought-provoking as it poses an answer to how self-conscious one is and questions our ego, magic, and some other distinctive features all remain enigmatic.
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