If You Had This Reaction to the Heretic Trailer, You’re Not Alone

Is A24 on a mission to supply 2024 with some of its best thriller movies? If Civil War, MaXXXine, and Heretic are any indications, the answer is yes.

When it hit theaters in April, Civil War both terrified and beguiled audiences and critics alike. (Probably because nearly everyone agreed that it hit too close to home. Way too close. It was like a premonition brought to life of possible near future for America.)

MaXXXine comes out July 5, but early reviews from the likes of The Hollywood Reporter and The Guardian are already praising the third installment in the X trilogy. (IGN delivered a less-than-glowing review, though.)

Then, most recently, A24 dropped the trailer for Heretic, and whoa. The first thing I thought was, “Huh. From an Oompa Loompa in Wonka and Tony the Tiger in Frosted, Hugh Grant’s trading in comedic roles for what might be his best villain part yet.”

But then a candle upstaged Grant’s performance.

Wait. What? A candle?

Yes. Who knew such a seemingly innocuous, inanimate object could cause such anxiety?

Heretic Trailer Tension

Grant’s role as the “diabolical Mr. Reed” is what has almost everyone who watches the Heretic trailer giddy with anticipation to see him in the movie. It showcases what he does best: using his charm to maximum benefit. In this case, it’s to torment two young missionary women. They show up at his door with one simple question: “Are you interested in learning more about the Church of Jesus Christ?”

With a winning smile, he welcomes them in, but they explain, “We can’t come inside unless another woman is present.”

“My wife is home. Does that count?” the charming Mr. Reed asks.

The girls agree it does, and they’re also delighted by the prospect of a homebaked treat when Mr. Reed mentions his wife has pie in the oven.

But she doesn’t because there doesn’t seem to be a Mrs. Reed, as the missionaries surmise when they notice the blueberry pie-scented candle burning on the coffee table.

Uh oh. Instead of pleasing, the situation now smells fishy. It gets worse when they realize Mr. Reed has locked them in.

But he’ll gladly let them go—after they choose which door to go through based on their faith. He uses chalk to write “Belief” on one and “Disbelief” on the other.

Decisions, decisions. Which door will they pick? Do they get to pick together or separately? Do the doors actually lead to separate destinations, or is it a trick and the same fate awaits regardless of which one they choose? And what kind of elaborate evil lair has Mr. Reed concocted in his home to trap his victims? Is there any hope of finding a way out?

So. Many. Questions. Both about the movie, and that the movie is likely to raise about the things we believe.

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Which door would you pick: Belief or Disbelief?

Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.

Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.