Heretic First Reactions – Hugh Grant Delivers “One of His Best Performances”

Hugh Grant leads a spine-chilling new horror film, Heretic , from Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the writers behind A Quiet Place , who center their latest tale on two young women of faith who find themselves in a ruthless game of cat and mouse in a strange man's house.

Heretic debuted at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, and the first audiences are having their say on the film they're calling "thrilling from start to finish", which is a "deep and profound look at the decisions we make, the power of control and iterations of religion."

"I can't imagine anyone other than Hugh Grant in a role that was seemingly made for him," says Lauren Bradshaw.

Matt Neglia at Next Best Picture agrees, saying, "Hugh Grant's devilish charm has never been put to better use in what is easily one of his best performances."

More praise for Heretic calls Beck and Woods' film "a cerebral & trenchant deconstruction on the supposed refuge of faith" and "a wild rollercoaster ride of a horror film that masterfully blends dynamic characters, dark humor, enormous tension, and provocative ideas."

Not everyone loved the film, however.

IndieWire's David Ehrlich says Heretic "doesn't believe in anything strong enough to fully deliver on its faith-testing premise," and Dave Baldwin says "the movie is a bit of a slog in certain sections," but, nonetheless, Baldwin "Enjoyed it but could have loved it more."

Heretic is set for a theatrical release on November 15.

You can read more of the first reactions to the film below.

Related: Heretic Trailer: See Hugh Grant in the Spine-Chilling First Preview