So, what makes Heretic and Grant’s character so spine-tingling? Let’s dive into the depths of Mr. Reed’s sinister transformation and the unsettling journey of two unsuspecting missionaries.
Plot Overview: Two Missionaries, One Sinister Stranger
The story kicks off as two young missionaries—played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East—knock on Mr. Reed’s door to discuss their faith. At first, Mr. Reed, portrayed by Grant, appears harmless, even friendly, and curious about their beliefs. He welcomes them warmly and engages in polite conversation about religion, telling them, “It’s so important to find your faith in a doctrine you actually believe.”
But as the conversation unfolds, the missionaries sense something off. Their initial comfort fades as Mr. Reed’s charming exterior slips, revealing a far darker and more menacing persona. Soon, they find themselves trapped, their faith and resilience tested as they struggle to escape his grasp.
Hugh Grant’s Villainous Turn: A Departure from the Romantic Hero
For fans accustomed to seeing Hugh Grant as the lovable romantic lead, his role in Heretic might come as a shock. Grant himself acknowledged the departure, laughing about the contrast between Mr. Reed and his usual characters. “Grant, a villain?” one might think. This transition marks a significant shift for Grant,
and he admits that playing the “weirdos” has become a new fascination of his.
Building Mr. Reed: The Charming Yet Creepy Persona
During an interview with A Martinez, Grant shared his insights on crafting Mr. Reed. Initially, Mr. Reed appears as an intelligent,
middle-class man living with his wife in a typical suburban American home. The missionaries feel safe, especially when he mentions that his wife is present, cooking a pie in the kitchen. But this warmth is quickly overshadowed by a creeping unease as Mr. Reed’s true nature comes to light.
The Awkward Interaction: A Generational Divide
Martinez observed the generational tension in Mr. Reed’s interactions with the young missionaries. Grant agreed, acknowledging that Mr. Reed sees himself as “down with the kids,” possibly due to his previous career as a university professor. Grant envisioned him as a teacher who thought he was cool, maybe even the kind who would wear double denim to impress his students. This amusing detail—double denim—became essential to Grant’s vision of Mr. Reed and added layers to his unsettling charm.
Crafting Mr. Reed’s Complex Backstory
For Grant, Mr. Reed is not just a one-dimensional villain. Grant confessed to writing hundreds of pages of backstory for Mr. Reed, creating a complex character that viewers see only in glimpses. This intensive process,
according to Grant, helps him fully inhabit his role, making the character feel more authentic and multi-dimensional on screen. The actor explained that creating an in-depth backstory calms his pre-performance jitters, helping him connect deeply with his character.
Grant’s Approach: Preparing for the Dark Side
Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed in Heretic follows his recent interest in darker roles, a path he began exploring in the limited series The Undoing with Nicole Kidman. In Heretic, as in The Undoing,
Grant explores the contrast between a character’s public facade and hidden darkness. He noted that he often makes extensive notes on the exterior versus interior personalities, adding layers to his character’s performance that keep audiences guessing.
Why Dark Roles Appeal to Grant and Audiences Alike
There’s something undeniably magnetic about villains in films. Grant admits he’s drawn to these complex, shadowy roles because they captivate audiences in a way that more straightforward, “good guy” roles do not. Playing the bad guy allows for a range of emotions and motivations that audiences find both repelling and fascinating. There’s an allure to the “bad guy” that taps into a part of human nature everyone can relate to on some level.
The Thin Veneer of Civilization
In the interview, Grant shared his theory about the darker side of human nature, remarking, “The older I get, the more I think that the veneer of civilization, it’s a very thin veneer.” He believes that people’s true nature is often concealed beneath a fragile surface of social etiquette. This thin veneer, he argues, is increasingly cracking, especially in the age of social media, where people can anonymously express hateful opinions without facing consequences.
How Social Media Exposes the Darkness Within
Social media, Grant argues, has laid bare the hidden animosities and prejudices people might once have kept to themselves. Before platforms like Twitter, he says, people generally hid their true feelings, but now they can voice their negative thoughts freely. This harsh reality, Grant believes, has revealed humanity’s darker side in ways that are “deeply depressing.”
From Lovable Romantic to Chilling Villain: Grant’s Transformation in Heretic
The role of Mr. Reed allowed Grant to flex his acting skills in a new and exciting way. He relished the opportunity to portray a character whose charm masks a sinister intent, giving him a chance to break away from his romantic lead stereotype. Fans of Hugh Grant will undoubtedly find his transformation in Heretic both shocking and impressive.
Why Heretic Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat
With its gripping storyline, Heretic is set to become a memorable addition to the horror genre. The film explores themes of faith, human nature,
and the ever-present tension between outward civility and inner darkness. Hugh Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed offers viewers a chilling reminder that evil often hides behind the most charming smiles.
Conclusion
Heretic marks an exciting chapter in Hugh Grant career, allowing him to delve into darker, more complex roles. As Mr. Reed,
Grant proves that he’s more than just the quintessential romantic lead; he’s an actor capable of exploring the shadows of human nature in ways that are both unsettling and intriguing. Audiences will likely leave the theater questioning the true nature of the people around them, and maybe even themselves.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of horror and psychological thrillers, Heretic is a must-watch. Hugh Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed brings a new level of depth and darkness to the genre, proving that sometimes,
the people we think we know the best can be hiding the darkest secrets.
