Heretic's cast may be small, giving the actors in the film plenty of room to bring their characters to life. Directed and written by A Quiet Place scribes Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the thriller is focused on a pair of young missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who accept an invitation to the home of the seemingly genial Mr. Reed. As their initially pleasant conversation simultaneously grows more personal and abstract, the two young women realize the true danger they've stepped into.

Heretic is a great horror film and has earned some of the stars of Heretic do a terrific job bringing the story to life.

Hugh Grant As Mr. Reed

Born September 9, 1960

Active Since: 1982

Actor: Hugh Grant is the leading antagonist of Heretic and serves as the film's primary threat. Born in the Hammersmith district of London, England, Grant made his film debut in 1982's Privileged before finding his big break with 1987's Maurice. Grant rose to global stardom thanks to his role in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Grant subsequently appeared in other iconic romantic comedies, including Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary. His roles have grown more diverse lately, ranging from horror movies like Heretic to action movies like The Gentlemen, comedies like Paddington 2, and TV thrillers like The Undoing.

Notable Hugh Grant Films

Character

Maurice

Clive Durham

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Charles

Paddington 2

Phoenix Buchanan

Character: Mr. Reed is the main antagonist of Heretic. A seemingly charming and erudite man who lives in the woods, he welcomes Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton into his home for a conversation about religion. Although he retains the natural comedic charms of Grant's other roles, the actor gives Mr. Reed a quietly unsettling edge that becomes more apparent as the film progresses.

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Sophie Thatcher As Sister Barnes

Born October 18, 2000

Active Since: 2015

Actor: Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sophie Thatcher made her screen debut in guest roles in shows like Chicago P.D. and The Exorcist. After appearing in the sci-fi film Prospect alongside Pedro Pascal, Thatcher found her big break with the role of the younger Natalie in Yellowjackets. Thatcher has juggled appearances in films like The Boogeyman and shows like The Book of Boba Fett alongside a music career, which includes her recently released debut EP "Pivot & Scrape."

Notable Sophie Thatcher Films & Shows

Character

Yellowjackets

Natalie "Nat" Scatorccio

The Boogeyman

Sadie Harper

The Book of Boba Feett

Drash

Character: Sophie Thatcher plays Sister Barnes in Heretic, one of the two Mormon missionaries who visit Mr. Reed. A more quietly confident character than her friend Sister Paxton, Sister Barnes is revealed to have ed the church along with her mother after a number of tragedies in her life. Sister Barnes is also more overtly suspicious of Mr. Reed, and becomes committed in the girls escaping from his clutches.

Chloe East As Sister Paxton

Born February 16, 2001

Active Since: 2013

Actor: Born in San Clemente, California, Chloe East has been acting since she was a child. East made her screen debut in the HBO series True Blood. The actor subsequently appeared in several other TV shows, ranging from a ing role in the Disney Channel original series Liv and Maddie, to lead roles in shows like Ice and Kevin (Probably) Saves the World. East made her film debut in the movie Next Level before appearing in movies like The Fablemans and Popular Theory.

Notable Chloe East Films & TV Shows

Character

Ice

Willow Green

Kevin (Probably) Saves the World

Reese Cabrera

The Fablemans

Monica Sherwood

Character: Chloe East plays Sister Paxton in Heretic, the other missionary alongside Sister Barnes. Introduced as a softer and sweeter young woman than her more stoic and confident friend, Sister Paxton is initially more friendly and open with Mr. Reed. However, as her terror over their situation increases, Sister Paxton finds herself challenged in ways she's never expected.

The Rest Of Heretic's Cast

Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes knocking on the door of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) in Heretic
Image via A24

Heretic Doesn't Have Much Of A ing Cast

Heretic is a tightly constructed film, with little time or attention paid to other characters. Much of the run-time is focused on Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton within Mr. Reed's home. This means there are only a few other named characters in the film at all. Topher Grace (That 70's Show) is the most notable, who appears as a leading member of Barnes and Paxton's church, Elder Kennedy. Elle Young, Wendy Gorling, and Stephanie Lavinge appear in minor but important roles (that are impossible to discuss without delving into spoilers). This focus benefits Heretic's specific story and focus.

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Your Rating

Heretic
Release Date
November 15, 2024
Runtime
111 minutes
Director
Bryan Woods

WHERE TO WATCH

Heretic, released in 2024, follows two young missionaries who must navigate a perilous test of faith when they encounter the sinister Mr. Reed after knocking on the wrong door, leading to a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.

Writers
Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Studio(s)
A24