Two Mormon missionaries knock on the wrong door in A24’s psychological thriller Heretic, starring Hugh Grant as a man who traps them in his home for a deadly debate about religion. This episode digs into the film’s exploration of faith, proselytizing, and the fine line between genuine discussion and manipulation.
We examine how the movie humanizes its missionary protagonists while challenging both religious certainty and militant atheism. Hugh Grant’s character mirrors the psychological control tactics religions have historically employed, creating a disturbing reflection that questions whether any side of the faith debate has clean hands.
Questions We Discuss:
- Does the horror genre enhance or distract from the film’s religious debate?
- Are the Mormon missionaries or Hugh Grant’s character the real “sea lions” in this conversation?
- How does the film challenge both rigid faith and aggressive atheism?
- What does the ambiguous ending say about belief and proof?
- Can you maintain faith while acknowledging contradictions in your religion?
- Why does the film intentionally leave the supernatural elements unresolved?
