Heretic (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The chilling new thriller from A24, “Heretic” (2024), directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, delves deep into the psychological horrors of faith, belief, and control. Starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East, this intense film takes viewers on a mind-bending journey of manipulation, religious conflict, and survival.
Synopsis of Heretic (2024)
“Heretic” opens with two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), knocking on the door of a seemingly kind and curious man, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). They are on their usual mission to spread the teachings of their church, but Reed, a man with his own dark motives, draws them into an increasingly sinister game. What starts as a theological discussion quickly devolves into a terrifying ordeal, as Mr. Reed’s true intentions are revealed. The young women find themselves trapped in his house, subjected to psychological and physical torment.
At its core, Heretic is a study of belief systems and the lengths to which one man will go to test, break, and reshape the faith of others. The film explores themes of power, control, and the danger of fanaticism in a tense, cat-and-mouse setup that keeps viewers on edge throughout.
Review: An Intense Psychological Thriller
Heretic is unlike typical horror films. It avoids outright gore for much of its runtime, opting instead to build suspense through conversation and the slow unraveling of its central characters. This makes the film feel more like a psychological thriller than a traditional horror movie, which works to its advantage. The tension is palpable from the moment Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton step into Mr. Reed’s home, with the audience knowing that something dreadful is looming but unsure of when or how it will unfold.
Hugh Grant’s Performance
Grant, playing against type, delivers a career-defining performance as Mr. Reed. Known for his charming, often comedic roles in romantic comedies, Grant here plays a deeply unsettling figure—a man of intellect and twisted beliefs who methodically manipulates the two young women in his home. His Mr. Reed is frightening not because he is overtly violent but because he is calculated, calm, and unpredictable.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East
Both Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East hold their own against Grant’s performance. Thatcher, known for her role in Yellowjackets, brings a toughness and edge to Sister Barnes, while East portrays Sister Paxton with vulnerability but without ever making her character seem weak. The dynamic between the two missionaries, each handling their predicament in different ways, is one of the film’s strengths.
Direction and Cinematography
Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, best known for their work on A Quiet Place, bring a similar sense of claustrophobia and dread to Heretic. Much of the film takes place within the confines of Mr. Reed’s home, and the limited space enhances the tension. Cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung, who previously worked on The Handmaiden and Oldboy, masterfully uses the house’s dark hallways and eerie rooms to create a sense of impending doom.
The dialogue-heavy first half of the film feels almost like a stage play, reminiscent of classic psychological thrillers like Deathtrap or Sleuth. The second half is where the horror elements come into play, with a few graphic scenes that will certainly jolt audiences.
Streaming Availability and Platforms (Predictions)
As of now, Heretic (2024) is still showing in theaters, but given its distribution by A24, we can make an educated guess about where it might be available for streaming in the near future. Here are some likely platforms where you’ll be able to watch Heretic online:
- A24’s Official Platform: A24 has its own streaming service, A24 Screening Room, where select films from their catalog become available. It’s a good bet that Heretic will eventually appear here, either as a rental or for purchase.
- Apple TV+: Given that Heretic is listed on Apple’s platform, it’s likely that the film will be available for rent or purchase through Apple TV+ once it leaves theaters. Apple has a partnership with A24, and several of their films, like The Green Knight and Uncut Gems, have premiered on the platform.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon frequently acquires the streaming rights to A24 films after their theatrical run. You can expect Heretic to be available for rent or purchase on Prime Video, with a possible future inclusion in its subscription service.
- Hulu: Hulu has a strong history of streaming A24 films, such as Hereditary and Midsommar. There’s a chance Heretic could make its way to Hulu as part of their streaming lineup, particularly for horror fans.
- Vudu and Google Play: Both of these platforms are likely to offer Heretic for digital rental or purchase once its theatrical run concludes. These services are often the first to have new releases available for streaming.
Conclusion
Heretic (2024) is a gripping, thought-provoking psychological thriller that stands out for its unique premise and stellar performances. Hugh Grant, in particular, delivers a chilling performance that is unlike anything we’ve seen from him before. While the film remains rooted in dialogue and suspense, its final act provides enough thrills and horror to satisfy genre fans.
As the film continues its run in theaters, it won’t be long before Heretic makes its way to streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for its release on services like A24 Screening Room, Apple TV+, and Hulu. Whether you’re drawn to it for the psychological tension or the religious undercurrents, Heretic is a must-watch film that will leave you questioning the nature of belief itself.
