Hugh Grant, long recognized for his roles as the charming but bumbling romantic lead in rom-coms, is now fully embracing his villain era.
In a candid interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Grant shared that he’s felt “more comfortable” in the past eight to nine years playing “twisted narcissistic monsters” rather than the lovable dreamboats he was once typecast as. “I don’t know what that says about me,” he joked, acknowledging the stark shift in his career choices.
Grant’s latest role in Heretic (in theaters Nov. 8) is a testament to this transformation. He portrays a scholar who, upon being visited by two Mormon missionaries, gradually reveals his sinister intentions. To prepare for the role, Grant delved into the psychology of cult leaders and mass murderers, a research project he found particularly “fascinating.” He was especially intrigued by the ability of some figures to garner loyal followings, even after their murderous tendencies were exposed.
Interestingly, Grant also drew inspiration from individuals within his own life. “A lot of the models in my head or mood board are people from my real life whose names I would prefer not to share because they might possibly take offense,” he quipped.
The movie, directed and written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, was inspired by a real-life, peculiar encounter the duo had while scouting locations in Iowa. As they knocked on doors seeking potential film sites, they were welcomed into the home of a “nice elderly couple.” But things took a strange turn when they pitched the idea for a film about the end of the world caused by a passing asteroid. The couple nodded in agreement and eerily predicted the impending doom within a few years. After a brief tea offering, Beck and Woods quickly left the house—though, as you might expect in a horror film, their departure in Heretic isn’t nearly as smooth.
Heretic stands out in the religious horror genre for its thought-provoking approach. While many films in this category rely on supernatural elements, Beck and Woods wanted to explore the personal, philosophical side of religion, focusing on why people believe what they do and the existential fear of what happens after death.
The film also features Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher as the two Mormon missionaries visiting Grant’s character. Both actresses have personal ties to the Mormon faith, which made them especially sensitive to the portrayal of their religion. Thatcher, who shared the script with her devout mother, felt reassured by the film’s respectful handling of the subject matter. East initially worried the movie might perpetuate negative stereotypes about Mormons, which are often featured in media. However, after reading the script, she was relieved to find that it offers an authentic and nuanced depiction of Mormon missionaries.
Beck and Woods began writing the script a decade ago and struggled with shaping Grant’s character, Mr. Reed, who is a fluent scholar of various religions. They spent considerable time researching and refining his role before returning to the project. Their passion for exploring religious themes in film dates back to their childhood, when they were profoundly influenced by the movie Contact. This inspired them to incorporate complex, adult discussions about faith into what is, at its core, a genre film.
In Heretic, Grant’s turn as a morally ambiguous figure adds another layer to his impressive acting range, proving once again that he’s far more than just a rom-com heartthrob.