Is Heretic based on a true story? Explained

Heretic is not based on a true story or any book. This 2024 American horror thriller, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, presents a gripping tale of two Mormon missionaries confronting a dangerous recluse, Mr. Reed. The film opens in the US on November 8, 2024, distributed by A24. The intense storyline leaves many wondering if it draws from real-life events.

While Heretic portrays intense and disturbing scenarios, the film is purely fictional, crafted for suspense and horror rather than factual storytelling. Its character inspiration comes partly from certain real-life personalities and archetypes, but the plot itself is a creation of Beck and Woods.

Despite being based on a story, Heretic immerses viewers in a scary world that makes them fear the unknown even more. The official synopsis of the movie reads:

"Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse."

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What happened in Heretic?

In Heretic, Barnes and Paxton, two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, go to see Mr. Reed, an Englishman who lives alone.

Reed seems interested in their message at first, but things quickly get scary. Reed says that he has a freshly baked blueberry pie, but it turns out to be just a scented candle, which makes the missionaries feel uneasy. Soon, they find themselves locked inside his house and unable to talk to anyone else.

When Barnes and Paxton go into Reed's study, he starts talking about his disturbing ideas about religion and belief. According to their faith, Reed gives them a choice: pick a door to "exit."

After choosing the "Belief" door, they meet "The Prophet," an old woman who says she has seen the afterlife. Meanwhile, Reed sets up a scary scene involving The Prophet and forces the girls to believe his crazy ideas.

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The revelation and Reed’s true intentions

Paxton gradually reveals Reed's psychological manipulation. In reality, he's trying to break their resolve by suggesting that the world might just be a computer simulation. Reed's manipulative actions with The Prophet show a sneaky plan that he's been using religious truth to control other people.

By looking at her surroundings, Paxton figures out that Reed is lying; she sees that Reed's "miracles" are just psychological tricks. Paxton's insight is pivotal in revealing Reed's troubling motivations and how manipulative he really is.

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The chase for freedom

In his entrapment, Paxton finds a way out through the ground. She reaches a secret room with other women prisoners, where Reed's shocking belief about using religion to control people becomes clear. While Paxton is preparing to confront Reed with a hidden weapon, Reed attacks back and severely hurts her.

Reed's beliefs are challenged when Paxton prays out of desperation. At the end of their fight, Barnes, who was thought to be dead, steps in and attacks Reed, securing Paxton's escape.

Paxton trips outside and a butterfly lands on her hand. This was once a sign for her that her loved ones were with her in the afterlife. The scene closes ambiguously, leaving the audience to question reality versus illusion.

Heretic features Hugh Grant as the sinister Mr. Reed, who manipulates and terrorizes the missionaries. Sophie Thatcher stars as Sister Barnes, embodying resilience and faith, while Chloe East portrays Sister Paxton, whose insights unravel Reed’s horrifying plot.

Supporting actors include Topher Grace as Elder Kennedy and Elle Young as The Prophet. This talented cast, under Beck and Woods' direction, brings intensity and depth to the thriller, making Heretic a haunting cinematic experience.

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Heretic hits the theatres in the USA on November 8, 2024.