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Heretic, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is a 2024 horror thriller that took audiences by storm at its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. Released in the UK and Ireland on November 1 and the U.S. on November 8, this A24 production explores dark themes through a disturbing plot and powerful performances.
Starring Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed, alongside Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, the film relies on its small cast to drive an intense narrative centered on belief, manipulation and control.
The narrative commences with Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton visiting Mr. Reed, a reclusive man who extends a warm reception to them as a blizzard rages outside. At first, the discussion centers on religion, but it becomes apparent that Reed has a more malevolent objective.
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The twisted truth behind Mr. Reed's fixation on "the one true religion" is revealed in the ending of Heretic. Eventually, the focus is not on the supernatural, prophets or gods. Rather, Reed's "religion" is the exercise of power over others, and he admits that control is the ultimate truth in his distorted worldview.
Heretic employs intense confrontations and shocking scenes to investigate the darker aspects of faith and manipulation as events spiral into horror. Let's have a look at the significant events that preceded the chilling finale and explore its ultimate implications.
Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
What happened at the end of Heretic?
Reed's Sinister Setup and the Game of Faith
Upon entering Mr. Reed's residence, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are greeted by his unique hospitality, which includes the aroma of blueberry pie that's purportedly in store for them. Nevertheless, the pie is revealed to be a ruse — a candle scent — which signifies the commencement of Reed's manipulation.
Reed's deceptive warmth transforms into a threat as he confines the missionaries to his residence, offering them a choice of doors: one designated for believers and the other for those who are uncertain. It's a trap designed to challenge their beliefs and introduce them to Reed's interpretation of truth.
As soon as they select the "Belief" door, the missionaries are transported to a black basement. Reed introduces a shabby woman whom he refers to as "The Prophet." She consumes poisoned pie, dies and allegedly resurrects to recount an afterlife vision.
However, this "miracle" is merely a component of Reed's intricate psychological ruse, which is designed to undermine the missionaries' faith. Heretic demonstrates that Reed's genuine objective is not to challenge their faith but rather to impose his distorted ideology on them.
The revelation of Reed's "One True Religion"
Reed confronts Sister Barnes regarding her convictions at the critical juncture. Reed abruptly slashes her throat when she challenges him, asserting that she will resurrect as evidence of his convictions.
Reed removes a small metal implant from Barnes' arm as she dies, referring to it as a "microchip" and characterizing her as a simulation — a product of a controlled, false reality.
His broader philosophy, which posits that all faith is ultimately about control, is influenced by this twisted logic. Reed is revealed as a fanatic whose "religion" is his power over others, with control serving as his highest deity.
Reed employs the implant to manipulate Sister Paxton, implying that Barnes was "programmed," and their reality is a simulation. Nevertheless, Reed's deception is exposed when Paxton identifies the implant as a contraceptive device. This realization fortifies her resolve to evade and terminate his perverse authority.
Reed's final stand and Paxton's escape
Paxton fully understands Reed's philosophy of "the one true religion" — an ideology that's predicated on subjugation and dominance — after he uncovers a concealed room containing caged women.
Reed demonstrates his twisted belief that control is the foundation of all religions by keeping these women isolated and malnourished, which Paxton discovers. She challenges Reed's assertion that he has divine-like authority over others, symbolically so.
Paxton attempts to flee after stabbing Reed in the neck in a final, brutal confrontation. Nevertheless, Reed responds by stabbing her, assuming that he has the upper hand in their lethal game.
Paxton's act of prayer as she confronts death directly challenges Reed's belief system; her prayer is not for divine intervention but rather a demonstration of self-determination and kindness, which Reed's ideology is unable to comprehend.
Sister Barnes' revenge from beyond
In a dramatic turn, Sister Barnes, who was believed to be dead, briefly reawakens with enough strength to strike Reed, killing him and putting an end to his terror.
This act subverts Reed’s twisted logic and demonstrates that, contrary to his belief, control over others is not the essence of faith or religion. Barnes’ last act of defiance ultimately dismantles Reed’s version of the “one true religion” and brings the film’s violent narrative to a shocking close.
Cast and performances
The intensity of Heretic is significantly increased by the powerful performances of the cast of Heretic. Hugh Grant's portrayal of Mr. Reed as a deranged antagonist infuses his role with a disturbing charisma, which is starkly contrasted with Sophie Thatcher's steadfast Sister Barnes and Chloe East's development as the resilient Sister Paxton.
Elder Kennedy, a minor yet significant character, is portrayed by Topher Grace. His brief appearance contributes to the story's themes. Elle Young also makes an unforgettable appearance as "The Prophet," embodying the eerie symbolism in Reed's twisted experiments.
Audiences are left with unsettling questions regarding the nature of power and belief following the ending of Heretic. Sister Barnes' ultimate defiance and Sister Paxton's refusal to abandon her own beliefs expose Mr. Reed's "religion" of control as a hollow philosophy by Heretic's conclusion.
Paxton's resilience is indicative of a faith that's founded on self-agency and compassion, as opposed to Reed's version of faith, which was characterized by dominance.
Paxton's vision of a butterfly, the reincarnation she once aspired to, provides an ambiguous note in the snowy silence outside Reed's house, suggesting the resilience of belief in the face of trauma. Ultimately, Heretic posits that true faith is rooted in the freedom to believe without the necessity of dominating others, despite the potential power of control.
