September 9th 2024.
Get ready to be fascinated by Hugh Grant's latest role in the upcoming horror film Heretic. The 63-year-old actor has left critics and fans in awe with his "menacing" performance as the villain, which some are already calling one of the best of his career.
In a surprising move, Grant takes on the role of a creepy and mysterious man in his first straight horror movie. Playing against type, he portrays the mild-mannered yet threatening Mr. Reed in Heretic. The story follows Sisters Paxton and Barnes, who find themselves lured into Mr. Reed's house after attempting to convert him. He entices them with the promise of blueberry pie and the opportunity to take shelter from the rain.
In the recently released trailer, Grant showcases his well-known British charm and awkwardness as he tries to put the sisters at ease. But as soon as the blueberry pie candle is lit, the missionaries realize they are trapped and must earn their freedom through a series of psychological games and challenges.
Early viewers who attended the film's premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival have raved about it, calling it "one of the most intelligent horror films" they've seen. They also praised Grant's performance, with one viewer even describing it as "chilling and menacing," and another calling it "career-best."
Critic Bill Rowe couldn't help but gush about the film, calling it a "wild rollercoaster ride" that masters the art of combining dynamic characters, dark humor, tension, and thought-provoking ideas. "Hugh Grant's performance is one of the best of his career," he added, an opinion shared by many. Lauren Bradshaw described the film as "intelligent" and "brilliant," and couldn't imagine anyone else playing the role of Mr. Reed.
In addition to Grant's outstanding performance, editor Danny Jarabek observed that the film's "devilish wit" thrives on the "undeniably perverted manifestation of Grant's charisma." Critic Jason Gorber was also all praises for Grant's "delightfully daffy take" on the character. Social media was abuzz with positive reactions, with one account even stating that Heretic "had no right to be as good as it was" and that they were blown away by it. They also couldn't help but mention the stellar performances by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, as well as Grant's Oscar-worthy performance, which they felt stole the show.
Fans were already excited when the trailer for Heretic dropped, with many expressing their delight at seeing Grant in a role like this. Quoting the trailer, one fan joked, "Hugh Grant: 'Do not be afraid.' Everyone: 'Already s**t my pants.'" Another couldn't resist making a Notting Hill reference, saying, "I am also just a psychopath, standing in front of two girls asking them to pick their door."
Grant's fans have been eagerly anticipating this role, and it seems like the filmmakers knew it too. Writer-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods revealed that Grant was their first choice for the role, despite other A-listers actively showing their interest. "He did take a little courting," Woods admitted, adding that they "just felt in their bones" that he was the right fit for the character. They were able to convince him to come onboard, and they are grateful to be a part of his career renaissance.
Although Heretic marks Grant's first foray into the horror genre, it's not his first time playing a villain. In 1988, he appeared in the horror comedy The Lair of the White Worm, directed by Ken Russell. However, this role in Heretic seems to be allowing Grant to fulfill a career ambition and satisfy his fans' desire to see him play a villain. In the trailer, he delivers a chilling line, telling the sisters, "It will make your hearts beat faster. It may even make you want to die." He also hums creepily as he reveals an elaborate system of mechanisms and cogs hidden within the walls and foundations of his home, alongside a maze.
Will the sisters be able to escape Mr. Reed's twisted games and challenges? Will they choose the right door based on their faith? Find out when Heretic hits theaters on November 15. As for a UK release date, that is yet to be announced. Do you have a celebrity story to share? Get in touch with our entertainment team through email, phone, or by visiting our Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you!
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