Hugh Grant, long known for his roles as the charming yet awkward love interest in romantic comedies, is embracing a darker side in his latest film Heretic.
In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Grant admitted he’s found himself more at ease in the last eight to nine years playing “twisted narcissistic monsters.” He added with a laugh, “I don’t know what that says about me.”
In Heretic, which hits theaters on Nov. 8, Grant plays a scholar who is visited by two Mormon missionaries. As the conversation progresses, his true sinister nature slowly comes to light. To prepare for the role, Grant delved into the psychology of cult leaders and mass murderers, finding their ability to manipulate followers—especially those who remain loyal despite their crimes—fascinating. He even drew inspiration from people he’s encountered in real life, though he was careful not to name names, joking that they might be offended.
The film, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, has a unique backstory. Beck and Woods came up with the concept after a strange encounter while door-knocking in Iowa for a potential film location. When they pitched a story about the end of the world due to an asteroid, the elderly couple they spoke to responded with an eerie sense of understanding, suggesting the apocalypse would indeed happen soon. The unsettling nature of that meeting helped inspire Heretic, though, as expected in a horror film, the escape from such a situation doesn’t go as smoothly.
Unlike many religious horror films that center around supernatural elements, Heretic focuses more on the philosophical debate surrounding faith and the terror of the unknown. Woods explained that the film is about exploring religion from a global perspective, questioning what people believe and why, while grappling with the fear of what happens after death.
Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher, who portray the two Mormon missionaries in the film, bring personal insights to their roles as former Mormons themselves. Thatcher, who is still close to her Mormon roots, made sure to share the script with her mother before committing to the role, feeling reassured once she received her approval. East, who was initially concerned about perpetuating stereotypes of Mormons in the media, found solace in the script’s thoughtful and respectful portrayal of the faith.
The script for Heretic was written over a decade ago, and Beck and Woods spent considerable time researching religious scholars to fully capture the complexity of Grant’s character, Mr. Reed, a man with extensive knowledge of various religions.
Woods shared that the inspiration for exploring religious themes in horror began in their youth, particularly after watching Contact, the 1997 film by Robert Zemeckis. It sparked an ongoing interest in exploring religion within the framework of mainstream entertainment, creating a thought-provoking dialogue alongside thrilling narratives.
As Heretic dives into the depths of belief and fear, it promises to offer more than just horror—it’s a reflection on the questions that haunt us all.
