Okay Hugh Grant fans get ready for something completely different. Forget the charming rom-com hero for a minute. Hugh Grant is diving headfirst into horror and people are freaking out in the best way possible. His new movie 'Heretic' is getting amazing reviews and everyone is saying his performance is next-level scary . Intrigued? You should be.
'Heretic' Plot: Missionaries Meet a Man with Sinister Intentions and Things Get Twisted
So what is 'Heretic' all about? Imagine two young missionaries going door-to-door spreading their faith. Sounds normal enough right? Wrong. They make a big mistake when they knock on the door of Mr. Reed played by Hugh Grant. Let's just say Mr. Reed is not your average homeowner. He draws these missionaries Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton into his home and that is when the real nightmare begins. They quickly realize They are trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse in a house full of Horrors.
This is not your typical jump-scare horror though. 'Heretic' is a psychological thriller that really messes with your head. It explores themes of religion faith and belief in a way that is both intellectual and deeply unsettling. Think 'A Quiet Place' level tension because the movie is from the same writers and directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
Hugh Grant the Horror Villain? Critics Rave About His "Deliciously Sinister" Performance
Seriously though Hugh Grant as a villain? It is wild and apparently it works incredibly well. Critics are loving his performance calling it "deliciously sinister" and a career highlight. If you are used to Hugh Grant as the lovable stammering guy from rom-coms prepare to have your expectations shattered. In 'Heretic' he is manipulative creepy and genuinely terrifying.
The movie currently boasts a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes which is HUGE for a horror film. Reviewers are pointing out that Grant's performance is a major reason to watch. One review even said "You may never look at his Notting Hill performance the same again after watching." That's how impactful his transformation is.
He is not just going for cheap scares either. Grant digs deep into the character of Mr. Reed making him feel disturbingly real and familiar even as he does some truly horrific things. It is a performance that is getting awards buzz with nominations at the BAFTAs Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes.
Why 'Heretic' is More Than Just Scares: Smart Horror That Makes You Think
While 'Heretic' definitely delivers on the horror front it is also being praised for its brains. This is not just mindless violence. The movie is thought-provoking and raises some really interesting questions. It probes into what religion and spirituality mean what people believe and how those beliefs can be twisted for good or evil.
Even if you are not religious yourself 'Heretic' is designed to be intellectually stimulating. It uses its characters as a way to explore these big philosophical ideas through intense conversations and suspenseful scenarios. The movie has been described as surprisingly rich in its themes going beyond a simple horror premise.
Reviewers note that 'Heretic' manages to be both scary and smart a rare combination in the horror genre. It is the kind of movie that will stay with you after the credits roll making you think about its ideas long after you have finished watching. It is A24 horror at its finest known for its quality and originality.
Where to Watch 'Heretic' Now: Streaming on Max and How to Stream from Anywhere
Good news horror fans 'Heretic' is now available to stream. It is currently streaming on Max. If you have a Max subscription you can watch it right now and experience Hugh Grant's villainous turn for yourself. It became available on Max starting March 7 2025.
If you are not a Max subscriber you can also rent or buy 'Heretic' digitally on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. Keep in mind that renting gives you a 30-day period to start watching and then 48 hours to finish once you begin. Purchasing it digitally means you can add it to your collection.
Traveling outside the US and still want to watch 'Heretic' on Max? A VPN might be your answer. A VPN lets you change your virtual location so you can access content as if you were in your home country. Services like ExpressVPN Surfshark and NordVPN are popular choices. Just make sure VPNs are legal in your location and that you have a valid Max subscription. VPNs can also add extra security and privacy to your streaming.
Streaming Options for 'Heretic':
- Max: Streaming now with a subscription (plans start at $9.99/month).
- Digital On Demand: Available for purchase or rent on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.
- VPN: Use a VPN like ExpressVPN to access Max from outside the US (subscription to Max required VPN subscription separate).
Don't Miss This Unexpected Horror Gem: Hugh Grant Will Scare You in 'Heretic'
If you are looking for a horror movie that is both scary and smart 'Heretic' is definitely worth checking out. Hugh Grant's performance alone is reason enough to watch him take on a role unlike anything he has done before. With its high Rotten Tomatoes score positive reviews and thought-provoking themes 'Heretic' is shaping up to be a standout horror film of 2025. So grab your popcorn dim the lights and prepare to be both thrilled and disturbed by 'Heretic' streaming now.