Heretic * * * ½

Someone here needs saving

The first third of  Heretic is so good I was thinking, this might be one of the best films I have seen this year.  But like all good things, and like so many promising films, it just doesn't last.  Nevertheless, Heretic is well worth seeing.

We are introduced to Sister Blair and Sister Paxton, a couple of young Mormon girls on a mission. Their opening dialogue and amusing discussion of pornography is not to be missed.  They are on their way to meet Mr.Reed a man who wishes to know more about the church of Latter Day Saints.

By the time they arrive at his secluded home the weather has turned foul. He invites them in. Reluctantly they enter as it is forbidden to be in a room with a strange man without another woman present. "My wife will join us shortly" he reassures.

Hugh Grant is a marvel as the funny, charming, and ever creepier Mr Reed. The three of them awkwardly chatting about God and addressing ones spiritual needs is a wonderful piece of theatre.  Anxiety builds as the storm increases, Mrs.Reed fails to appear and the promised blueberry pie in the oven also fails to appear.  "Excuse me one moment" he says to check on the pie -  And then of course the girls have the realisation that getting out of Mr. Reed's house is not going to be as easy as it was getting in.

But Mr. Reed is keen to continue their theological discussion as they retreat to his personal church at the back of the deceptively sized house. It's still very good at this stage as they discuss the choices offered when one stands on the brink of eternity - which door to take etc.  But like all horror movies soon we are "in the basement" which, like eternity proves to be almost infinite in size with many ante rooms

It is at this stage Heretic doesn't so much lose the plot but it presents us with a less interesting situation even as it demonstrates that most miracles are a sham and presents an irrefutable argument about what the one true religion is. 

 Basically I was enthralled through the first half of Heretic and just sat through the second half.  It's still worth going to see though, if only to see Hugh Grant (getting better as he gets older) strut his stuff.