Kickoff to 31 Days of Horror Note: If you are not a usual subscriber to this part of my blog, know that it is in its 16th year and runs through October. Never fear: your regularly scheduled content will return after 31 Days of Horror.
What a great premise for a horror movie: two young, impressionable, and somewhat naive girls serving as missionaries are at their last home for the day, sharing their Good News with someone who has even requested it. He’s affable, genuine, and welcoming, ushering them into his home with the promise of fresh-baked blueberry pie and his wife hoping to join them soon.
Things start slow, letting us get to know the girls–Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes–and Mr. Reed (played in a standout performance by Hugh Grant). What are we learning? We’re learning about their beliefs, doubts, and hopes, and much more. Time ticks on. Slowly, gently. As the conversation takes unusual turns, the tension begins to increase. Mr. Reed’s promised pie and wife are still in the wings, and the Sisters are ready to cut their losses. But not so fast. The girls soon learn all is not as it seems and the true nature of their visit begins to unravel before them. As a devious game begins, unease begins to rise exponentially. As do the religious lessons and metaphors and creepiness.
Now, you thought you were in a quiet horror movie, didn’t you? But, you see, Heretic soon switches gears, becoming something different altogether. Weird, yes. Dark, definitely. Probing, of course. All the while, still asking the big question: “What is the one true religion?”
Top Scare: In Basement
Heartbeats: 2 3/4 out of 5
Gore Factor: 2 3/4 out of 5
Scare Factor: 2 1/2 out of 5
Recommended for: 15 and up due to gore
Tanya Konerman, Author 