? Heretic is one of those films that stick with you long after the credits roll. Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods created a psychological thriller with a side order of theology — a horror film that is also a deeply reflective exploration of faith and doubt — perfect for horror-heads that enjoy their scares with a whisper of introspection.

Wrong place, wrong time: We follow two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who find themselves at the door of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). What starts out as a routine visit quickly and unexpectedly takes a dark turn, challenging the Sisters’ endurance… and convictions.

Don’t expect cheap thrills. Beck and Woods’ choice to present a dialogue-driven fear over more overt horror elements makes this experience more cerebral and more unsettling. This is supported by Chung-hoon Chung’s incredible cinematography — the use of dim lighting and confined spaces manufactures the feeling of psychological entrapment. It’s less about jumpscares and terrifying visuals, and more about the slow, creeping dread that something is very, very wrong.

A huge leap for Hugh: Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed is a significant departure from his previous roles, and just as impressive as it is different. The character is both charming and chilling, and we found his delivery sending chills down our spines more than once. The audience will find themselves in one of the two Sisters — Sister Barnes, who shows resilience in spirit but not in faith, or Sister Paxton, whose vulnerability juxtaposes her unshakeable belief.

But the film isn’t without its foibles. Critics at Roger Ebert Reviews have noted that the film loses some of the tension during the final act due to the narrative becoming a little too intricate, featuring unnecessary twists and turns that may leave you scratching your head. Moviegoers who aren’t particularly interested in theological horror also may not appreciate the overarching theme of the film.

WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can catch showings of Heretic at Cairo Festival City cinemas, Citystars cinemas, and Scene Cinema.

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