The new A24 film Heretic premiered last Thursday at the 38th annual AFI Fest in Hollywood, California at the historic TCL Chinese Theater. Writer/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were in attendance, as was old Hollywood star Hugh Grant, alongside his young co-stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.

Heretic follows the story of Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (East), young women on a well-intentioned and passionate mission to convert people to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Better known to some as Mormon missionaries, the two ladies face their greatest challenge when they arrive at the home of Mr. Reed (Grant), a seemingly normal, fun-loving and simple man who previously expressed an interest in hearing more about the Church .

What begins as a cordial and pleasant discussion quickly becomes an enormously complicated game that preys on confusion and fear, as Mr. Reed shares a plethora of history and knowledge that conflicts with the young women’s proud beliefs. As the visit progresses, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are confronted with the need to question their faith or hold firmly to their beliefs, despite Mr. Reed’s impressive efforts to sway skepticism.

Beck and Woods, who also wrote the successful 2018 film A quiet placeare masters at effectively and thoughtfully reversing what the horror genre can be in modern cinema. Heretic for a large majority of the film could be rated almost PG to PG-13, as moviegoers are not bombarded with images of bloodshed, violence and torture. What makes this film so moving is the brilliant and articulate way in which Mr. Reed presents real-world facts to these women that many of us have never heard of or thought about. Let’s just say that after seeing this movie, you will never look at the Monopoly and Blueberries board game the same way again.

Beck said on the AFI Fest stage before the screening Heretic to a full audience: “A few years ago, after we wrote A quiet placea film that created tension through cinematic techniques, we wondered: Can we actually do the opposite? where the horror is not necessarily generated by monsters or scares, but rather by ideas and discussion – and so that was really the birthplace of this idea of Heretic.”

There are many fascinating aspects to it Heretic as a unique horror film, but the fear of the unknown in this on-screen story is often the most chilling for the audience, when nothing at all happens, but just knowing that it is what you don’t know or see (at least not yet). ) That makes it all the more terrifying.

At a time in our world where wars occur due to conflicting beliefs and ways of life guided by stories from thousands of years ago, and where we currently live in a divided political climate in places like America, where one’s religion often guides the decisions of a voter about who they want to see as the next leader of their country, Heretic couldn’t be more timely and is an absolute must-see for people from all walks of life.

Grant’s role as Mr. Reed may be the most compelling performance on film this year. The real genius of this character is that he never really comes across as condescending or directly belittles the missionaries, but instead presents thought-provoking facts that would create a sense of doubt even in those most committed to one’s faith.

With his Heretic Throughout his performance, the world is reminded just how incredible Grant is as a long-loved actor, known for his roles in a wide range of genres throughout his illustrious career. Even speaking after his filmmakers at AFI Fest, Grant walked to the microphone and shared with the audience, referencing his well-known “playboy” past, “Hollywood Boulevard has always been a happy place for me.” To be this brash British gentleman in reality, while being able to deliver such an eerie and hypnotic performance on screen, is truly exceptional.

Thatcher and East also turn in excellent performances Heretic While the two young women are challenged to their core, they still strive with all their might to somehow hold on to their humanity and their rather selfless beliefs as best they can in this unfathomable situation.

Once again A24 hits the jackpot with another excellent film performance Hereticwhich one will be released in US theaters on November 8. You’ll no doubt leave the screening thinking about everything you’ve just seen and heard long after the credits have rolled, which in an age when we have so many easy-to-binge options at our disposal is a very refreshing treat.