Watch the Trailer for A24’s HERETIC Starring Hugh Grant

As a horror enthusiast with a soft spot for clever twists and chilling suspense, I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming release of “Heretic”! Having grown up as a Mormon myself, the intriguing premise of two young missionaries finding themselves in a dangerous game played by none other than Hugh Grant, an actor I adore despite his romantic comedy fame, has piqued my curiosity. The marketing strategy using missing person posters at the Salt Lake City airport during a large Mormon convention is not only ingenious but also adds an authentic touch to the film’s plot.


Today, a trailer was released for A24’s upcoming horror movie titled “Heretic.” The trailer introduces Mr. Reed, portrayed by Hugh Grant, who appears as a formidable antagonist, designing an impossible game for the two main characters, both young individuals. The script for this film is penned by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, also serving as directors, similar to their work on “A Quiet Place.” Below, you can watch the thrilling and suspenseful trailer.

The story “Heretic” revolves around two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Paxton (portrayed by Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), who encounter a seemingly ordinary man named Mr. Reed. However, as their discussion about theology takes an unexpected turn, the missionaries make a mistake by suggesting they leave. Once inside his house, the girls find themselves in a precarious situation where they must demonstrate their faith and navigate a dangerous game of hide-and-seek that they have unwittingly entered.

The movie made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, lasting for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. As stated by Robyn Citizen, Director of Programming & Platform Lead at TIFF,

One enjoyable aspect of “Heretic” lies in its ability to surprise you at every turn. The creators, Beck and Woods, cleverly twist the ordinary, making one ponder profound questions about faith and morality in a world shrouded by confusion and brutality. It’s an exhilarating, thought-provoking journey that beautifully demonstrates Grant’s exceptional skills.

Recently, Heretic’s marketing strategy gained significant attention on social media due to their creative use of digital advertisements that mirrored missing person posters at the Salt Lake City airport, particularly during a major Mormon gathering. This was an ingenious reference to the movie’s storyline.

Advertisements about a missing character named ‘HERETIC’, played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in their roles as Mormon missionaries, are currently being displayed at the Salt Lake City Airport prior to the LDS General Conference, a significant annual gathering of Mormons happening this weekend.

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 3, 2024

Stars takes on the part of the antagonist for the first time in this movie, which might come as a surprise given his reputation for starring in heartwarming comedies. He is particularly renowned for his roles in romantic films. In contrast, East has gained recognition for her portrayal of Monica Sherwood in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans. Previously, Thatcher essayed the character of a young Natalie Scatorccio in the critically acclaimed series Yellowjackets on Showtime.

You can catch Heretic in theatres nationwide on November 8.

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2024-10-08 16:32