Movies

Hugh Grant in “Heretic” trailer shows a man using the routine as a weapon

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Hugh Grant in "Heretic" trailer shows a man using the routine as a weapon

As a lifelong Mormon and a former missionary myself, I must say that the trailer for “Heretic” has piqued my interest in ways that few films have managed to do before. Having spent eighteen months of my youth knocking on doors and spreading the gospel, I found myself feeling both unnerved and oddly drawn to this horror flick.

Recently, I came across news about a horror film in the Toronto International Film Festival lineup that focuses on Mormon missionaries. Initially, I was reluctant to explore its plot due to how some media distortively portray The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for dramatic purposes. However, my admiration for Hugh Grant‘s work compelled me to watch the trailer. It left me feeling uneasy, apprehensive, and eagerly anticipating opening day tickets.

I’d like to note that I have a personal connection to the church depicted in this trailer, having served as a missionary there for eighteen months in California, much like the characters in the movie. This similarity is incredibly engaging to me. Here are my additional thoughts on the upcoming film.

“I think it is good to be religious.”

In the initial scenes, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) are persistently spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ in a quaint town. Some people dismiss them, while others ignore them. One person exclaims, “I’m sorry, but I can’t even finish what you were saying,” as they are interrupted mid-sentence. However, when Mr. Reed, an amiable individual, invites them inside, he casually mentions that his wife is baking a pie.

Following their agreement, he departs momentarily to verify the pie’s status. It’s at this point that Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) detects the comforting scent of a blueberry pie emanating from a scented candle. The house lacks a spouse, and they come to understand that there is no way out. Mr. Reed extends an invitation for them to decide between two doors marked ‘Belief’ and ‘Disbelief’. Their predicament is being observed, yet the final objective remains unclear in the teaser.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself captivated by this movie not only because of its storyline, but also due to its portrayal of missionaries from a certain sect. Movies like “God’s Army,” “The Best Two Years,” and “The Errand of Angels” have offered fairly accurate depictions of their daily lives, albeit fictional. However, the movie “The Strangers” mislabels two 12-year-old characters as Mormon Missionaries in the credits, which is not quite true to life. And who can forget the sharp wit of “The Book of Mormon,” a satire that masterfully straddles the line between real experiences and pure absurdity? In fact, the Church itself famously suggested that if you find the play amusing, you should read the actual book.

To put it another way, Barnes and Paxton, the sisters in question, seem quite relatable. They dress appropriately for the occasion and while their questions may be generic, they’re still truthful. I can empathize with the challenging aspects of their work, as I recall those long days under sometimes harsh weather conditions. There were instances when we would engage people at the door because a member of the opposite gender was home alone. The discussion about being “spiritually curious” mirrors the common advice to strengthen shared beliefs.

In this trailer’s chilling portrayal, it’s the missionaries’ behaviors that make them susceptible. Often cut off from local society, they lean heavily on each other and lack familiarity with the region. They trust everyone they encounter, viewing an invitation as a bonding moment. These actions, in retrospect, are warning signs. However, as is common in gripping suspense films, their failure to anticipate danger puts them at risk.

Heretic comes out in theaters on November 8.

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2024-10-24 16:32

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