To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Up Next
Hugh Grant has stunned critics with his ‘menacing’ performance as a horror film villain, which some are already dubbing one of the best performances of his career.
The Wonka star, 63, surprised fans by taking on the part of a ‘psycho’ mysterious man in his first straight horror movie, playing rather against type as the mild-mannered but threatening Mr Reed in Heretic.
He lures Sisters Paxton and Barnes (Chloe East and real-life former Mormon Sophie Thatcher) into his house after they try to convert him, luring them in with the promise of blueberry pie – and the chance to get out of the rain.
In the trailer released in June, Grant even demonstrates his well-used brand of British charm and awkwardness to put them at ease – but once the blueberry pie candle is clocked, the missionaries discover they’ve been locked in and Mr Reed is only willing to let them earn their freedom through a series of psychological games and challenges.
With Heretic screening for the first time at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sunday night, early viewers have shared their reactions, which included calling it ‘one of the most intelligent horror films I’ve seen’, ‘a treat’ and ‘a wild rollercoaster ride’.
There was particular praise for its star too, with @aryanp_000 describing the film as ‘thrilling from start to finish’, but reserving particular notice for an ‘electric’ Grant who is ‘truly just unsettling’.
Actor Hugh Grant is the villain in new horror film Heretic (Picture: A24)
He plays against type as the creepy Mr Reed, with critics praising his ‘career-best’ performance (Picture: A24)
Critic Bill Rowe called Heretic a ‘wild rollercoaster ride of a horror film that masterfully blends dynamic characters, dark humor, enormous tension, and provocative ideas’.
‘Hugh Grant’s chilling, menacing performance is one of the best of his career,’ he added, in an opinion shared by many as Lauren Bradshaw admitted of the ‘intelligent’ and ‘brilliant’ horror film: ‘I can’t imagine anyone other than Hugh Grant in a role that was seemingly made for him.’
Have your say in the comments belowComment Now
‘Heretic has devilish wit that thrives on the undeniably perverted manifestation of Grant’s charisma,’ observed editor Danny Jarabek, while critic Jason Gorber was all in on Grant’s ‘delightfully daffy take’.
Social media account @bigscreenleaks on X, went one step further, sharing: ‘Heretic had no right to be as good as it was. To be frank, I was blown away.’
It continued: ‘Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East prove once again why they deserve more roles, but the legendary Hugh Grant gives an Oscar-worthy performance and steals the show.’
Grant’s character Mr Reed traps Sisters Barnes and Paxton (real-life former Mormon Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) in his house (Picture: A24)
The missionaries are challenged to escape after being lured in by blueberry pie (Picture: …read more
Source:: Metro
