The horror movie landscape is shifting, and Heretic, the latest spine-chiller to hit theaters, is leading the charge. Starring Hugh Grant and Yellowjackets’ Sophie Thatcher, Heretic promises a unique experience that redefines horror. While you might know Hugh Grant for his charming rom-com roles, he takes a dark turn here, diving into something far more sinister and intense. According to Grant and Thatcher, it’s not just the story, but the film’s unusual approach to scaring viewers that sets it apart.
A New Kind of Scare: “He Thinks It’s Fun”
In Heretic, Hugh Grant takes on a chilling role – a character that’s as unsettling as it is charismatic. “This character, he thinks it’s fun,” Grant explained in a recent interview, hinting at the twisted psyche of his role. For fans of classic horror, this might sound like familiar ground, but Grant assures it’s anything but. Unlike typical horror antagonists driven by raw malice, Grant’s character embodies a different, almost playful kind of menace, making his portrayal far more chilling.
“He’s like an observer in a twisted game,” Grant says, smiling as he describes his role. “He finds joy in the strange and supernatural.” This blend of humor and horror, Grant believes, adds an unexpected layer that pulls audiences out of their comfort zones.
Sophie Thatcher’s Journey Into The Unseen
Playing opposite Grant is Sophie Thatcher, whose character is the heart and soul of the movie. Known for her breakout role in Yellowjackets, Thatcher’s character in Heretic is far from her past roles. The young actress explains how the film’s use of unconventional scare tactics adds psychological depth to her performance. “The fear here isn’t always in what you see – it’s what you feel and can’t quite explain,” she says, speaking to how the film builds tension without relying on jump scares or special effects.
Thatcher adds that much of the film’s horror comes from what’s left unsaid. “There’s a heavy atmosphere on set, and it follows you into the scenes. That’s something audiences will feel.” The approach leaves viewers anticipating scares that sometimes don’t come, making it a nerve-wracking experience.
Building Fear Without The Usual Tricks
Heretic director Sam Wentworth is known for his innovative storytelling techniques, and he didn’t hold back here. In Heretic, the terror comes from what audiences don’t see. Wentworth’s decision to minimize visible scares and amplify psychological tension plays into a modern horror trend that focuses on unsettling viewers rather than overwhelming them with graphic visuals.
“This film is about slow-burning fear,” Wentworth explains. “We’re not looking to scare you every two minutes. Instead, we want to make you feel uneasy, to keep you guessing.” This is exactly what Grant and Thatcher’s characters are built around – creating discomfort through unpredictability.
Why Heretic Feels Like a Real Game-Changer
Unlike horror films that rely on gore, Heretic thrives on a more suspense-driven approach. Hugh Grant’s character becomes scarier precisely because of his detached attitude toward terror. It’s a refreshing departure from traditional horror tropes and one that makes this film truly unique. Thatcher, too, plays a character that feels deeply relatable, a grounding presence against Grant’s chaotic energy.
The impact is lasting: as the credits roll, audiences leave with lingering questions. What exactly was real? What’s hidden in the shadows? Heretic isn’t just a movie – it’s an experience that stays with you.
What Makes Heretic a Must-Watch
Heretic has all the elements of a horror film destined to become a classic. From Grant’s unexpected transformation to Thatcher’s intense emotional depth, the movie feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre often oversaturated with similar scares. If you’re looking for something different, something that digs into your psyche, Heretic might just be the horror experience you’ve been waiting for.
As Hugh Grant put it, “He thinks it’s fun.” But for audiences, Heretic is a haunting thrill that leaves you questioning what real fear looks like – long after you’ve left the theater.