Hugh Grant, known for his charming and lovable characters in films such as Love, Actually and Notting Hill, has transformed into a sinister and sadistic psychopath in his latest role as Mr. Reed in the upcoming horror movie Heretic. Grant’s departure from his usual typecast is a significant departure, marking his first venture into villainy. Heretic follows the story of two young Mormon missionaries, who while attempting to recruit new members, find themselves trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the diabolical Mr. Reed.
The film’s narrative is centered around the theme of faith and doubt, as the two missionaries, Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes, are forced to question their beliefs and the existence of God. Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, presents them with a choice between two doors, one labeled “Belief” and the other “Disbelief”, which serves as a metaphor for the blurred lines between good and evil. The film’s trailer sets the tone for a dark and ominous tale, with Grant’s character exuding an aura of unease and dread.
Hugh Grant (Via Hugh Grant/Twitter)
Grant’s performance has been described as “delightfully evil” and “terrifying”, drawing comparisons to iconic villains such as Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter. Grant’s co-stars, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who play the two young missionaries, bring their own unique talents to the film. Thatcher is known for her roles in Yellowjackets and The Book of Boba Fett, while East has appeared in shows like The Fabelmans and True Blood.
The film’s score is composed by Chris Bacon, who has previously worked on films such as 65 and Men In Black: International. Heretic is set to be released in theaters on November 15, 2024, and will later become available on Max. The highly anticipated film is expected to be a thrilling ride for horror fans, marking a significant departure from Grant’s usual typecast as a lovable and charming character.
