Hugh Grant‘s rise to fame in the early 1990s was marked by his effortless charm and endearing wit on the big screen. His iconic roles in films like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, and Love Actually cemented his status as a charming heartthrob, winning over audiences worldwide with his roguish good looks and disarming smile. However, in recent years, Grant has defied expectations by branching out into unexpected genres.
The suave Brit has turned to crime comedies, such as Guy Ritchie‘s The Gentlemen, showcasing his versatility and comedic timing. Additionally, he has made the leap to television, starring in the dramatic series The Undoing, another departure from his traditional rom-com fare. In 2024, he will shock audiences once again with his first dive into the horror realm with A24’s Heretic. Here’s everything we know.
What Is the Plot of Heretic?
As of yet, the plot of Heretic has been kept somewhat under wraps. Also, the trailer is rather ambiguous. However, there is plenty to dissect. The movie’s official IMDB page states that Heretic is “Rumored to follow two young women of religion who are drawn into a game of cat and mouse in the house of a strange man.”
If we look into the ominous trailer released on June 25, 2024, it’s safe to say that A24 are gearing up for another contained horror/thriller (a genre they exceed in regularly ie Green Room and Tusk). Starting with The Hollies’ track “The Air That I Breathe” overlaid rather eerily, the trailer presents two youthful missionaries who are having difficulty finding any willing converts. However, all of that is altered when they knock on Mr. Reed’s (Hugh Grant) door and he invites them in, saying his wife is baking pie. Mr. Reed initially presents himself as a very spiritual and collected man, but this all appears to be a front, especially once one of the missionaries discovers something truly shocking.
Who Stars in the Movie?
As mentioned, Heretic will mark Hugh Grant’s first foray into horror cinema. It will also stand as his first ever villainous role. While he exudes a level of charm still, it is clear that a dark and dangerous persona lurks beneath and is just waiting to come out in full force. By the trailer, his rendition strikes a similar chord to that of Anthony Hopkins‘ portrayal as the iconic Hannibal Lecter, a despicable master criminal and psychopath who enthrals the audience with his bizarrely captivating charm and suaveness.
Alongside Grant is Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes and Chloe East as Sister Paxton. Both rising stars have made waves in recent years by starring in a variety of acclaimed productions. Thatcher is most known for her role as Natalie in the popular TV series, Yellowjackets. She is also no stranger to the horror genre having already starred in 2023’s The Boogeyman, and Ti West‘s MaXXXine. Chloe East has been acting since 2013, appearing in shows like True Blood, and Generation. She is perhaps most known for her role in Steven Spielberg‘s Oscar-nominated drama, The Fabelmans, where she shared the screen with Seth Rogen, Paul Dano, and Michelle Williams.
Given that Heretic is a contained horror, the supporting cast is rather small. To that, it appears that the film will focus on these three key characters. Although Mr. Reed’s wife is mentioned, she is not seen in the trailer, meaning she might not even exist and may simply be a part of his sinister place. However, actors such as Stephanie Lavigne, Elle McKinnon (Fire Country), and River Codack are credited to star in the movie.
When Will Heretic Be Released?
As mentioned, A24 will distribute Heretic. The movie comes from filmmaking duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who wrote and directed together. They previously worked on the smash hit 2018 horror movie, A Quiet Place, serving as screenwriters. Heretic is set for a theatrical release on November 15, 2024. This means it will share a released date with Ridley Scott‘s Gladiator 2, Robert Zemeckis‘ Here, and the Dwayne Johnson-led Christmas movie, Red One. Given that A24 currently have an ongoing partnership with Max, it is likely that the movie will land on the streaming service after its cinematic release. Until then, here’s how A24 and IMAX are partnering together this summer.
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