The new A24 film Heretic premiered last Thursday during the 38th annual AFI Fest in Hollywood, California at the historic TCL Chinese Theater. In attendance were writer/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, as well as longtime Hollywood star Hugh Grant and his young co-stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.

Heretic tells the story of Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East), young women with a well-intentioned and passionate mission to convert people to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two ladies, better known as Mormon missionaries, face their greatest challenge when they arrive at the home of Mr. Reed (Grant), a seemingly normal, playful and simple man who had previously expressed an interest in learning more about the church .

What begins as a warm and pleasant discussion quickly becomes an extremely complicated game of confusion and fear as Mr. Reed reveals a wealth of stories and knowledge that conflict with the young women's proud beliefs. As the visit progresses, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are faced with the challenge of questioning their faith or remaining steadfast in their beliefs, despite Mr. Reed's impressive attempts to dispel skepticism.

Beck and Woods, who also wrote the hit 2018 film A quiet placeare masters at effectively and thoughtfully inverting the horror genre in modern cinema. Heretic Because much of the film could almost be rated PG to PG-13 because moviegoers aren't bombarded with images of blood, violence and torture. What makes this film so powerful is the brilliant and articulate way Mr. Reed presents these women with real-world facts that many of us have never heard of or thought about before. Let's just say that after watching this movie, you'll never look at the board game Monopoly and Blueberries the same way again.

Beck said from the AFI Fest podium before the screening Heretic in front of a packed audience: “A few years ago, after we wrote A quiet placethat was a film that created tension through cinematic techniques, we asked ourselves: Could we actually do the opposite? where the horror isn't necessarily created through monsters or jump scares, but rather through ideas and discussions – and that was really the birthplace of this idea Heretic.”

There are many fascinating aspects Heretic as a unique horror film, but the fear of the unknown in this story on screen is often most frightening to the audience when nothing is happening at all, but simply knowing that it is something you don't know or see (at least not yet). ), which makes it all the more frightening.

At a time in our world where wars are taking place over conflicting beliefs and ways of life based on stories from thousands of years ago, and where we live in a divisive political climate in places like modern-day America, where one's religion can Often voters decide who they want to see as the next leader of their country. Heretic couldn't be more timely and is an absolute must for people from all walks of life.

Grant's performance as Mr. Reed is arguably the most compelling performance seen on film this year. The true genius of this character is that he never comes across as truly condescending or outright disparaging of the missionaries, but instead presents thought-provoking facts that would raise doubts even among followers of his own faith.

With his Heretic performance, the world will be reminded of how incredible Grant is as a long-time popular actor, known for roles in a variety of genres throughout his illustrious career. Even speaking after his filmmakers at AFI Fest, Grant stepped to the microphone and, referencing his well-known Playboy past, told the crowd, “Hollywood Boulevard has always been a happy place for me.” In fact, this one Being a sassy British gentleman while bringing such a creepy and hypnotic performance to the screen is truly extraordinary.

Thatcher and East also give excellent performances Heretic As the two young women challenged their innermost being, they still strived with all their might to preserve their humanity and their rather selfless beliefs as much as possible in this unimaginable situation.

Once again A24 hits the jackpot with another outstanding cinematic achievement Hereticwhich will be released in theaters in the US on November 8th. Undoubtedly, the screening will have you thinking about everything you just saw and heard long after the credits roll, which is an extremely refreshing treat in a time when we have so many easily overwhelming options at our disposal.