Warning: This article contains spoilers for Heretic.In 2024's Heretic's amazing cast, which includes Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East.

Throughout the movie, Mr. Reed raises a number of questions about religion, and about belief in general. He dismantles the concept of God using comparisons to Monopoly and music, and forces Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton to observe "a miracle," in a woman dying and coming back to life. However, the biggest mystery to come up Heretic is what Mr. Reed believes to be the "one true religion." He describes this as the most honest and original religion that every other denomination is based on. Eventually, Sister Paxton uncovers the truth of his belief.

Control Is Paxton's Answer For Mr. Reed's One True Religion In Heretic

How Paxton Figures Out Mr. Reed's Secret

Near the end of Heretic, it is revealed that Reed believes control is the one true religion. Reed explains that every religion is based on controlling people, regardless of what the denomination's beliefs are. Therefore, his own formula is to basically strip away all the rituals and mythology and simply put his victims into inescapable situations in order to control them. That is why his house is a maze and the electricity and the doors are set on a timer. Reed doesn't need to convince his victims of anything because he exerts so much physical control on them.

The moment when Paxton finally figures out Reed's one true religion may be one of the most haunting moments in the entire movie. After finding a hidden door, Paxton is on her way to escaping. She es through a number of creepy chambers filled with religious memorabilia until she finally reaches the most horrifying room of all. Inside, a group of women is being kept in cages, ready to be used and disposed of by Reed. Paxton comes to realize that she is far from Reed's first victim, and his joy comes from controlling his victims to the highest degree.

Mr. Reed's View Of Religion Is Why He Values Control Most Of All

How Heretic Fights Back Against Reed's Claims

Reed's one true religion makes sense considering the ways in which Heretic characterizes him. At first, Reed seems to be a curious and intelligent man, but he later reveals himself to be a major critic of religion. With just a few points about board games and ancient history, he matter-of-factly crushes the entire concept of God. He boils everything down to the idea of control, completely bulldozing over the more positive aspects of religious belief. Luckily, that is where Sister Barnes, and eventually Sister Paxton, come in.

Although Reed explains away his awful behavior through religion, it is clear that this is just an excuse for him to terrorize young women.

During Heretic, Sister Barnes is Reed's biggest critic. She pokes holes into his arguments, pointing out that his arguments are based on massive generalizations. Later, Paxton begins to follow in Barnes' footsteps, noting flaws in Reed's logic and game. This, more than anything, reveals the true nature of Mr. Reed. Although Reed explains away his awful behavior through religion, it is clear that this is just an excuse for him to terrorize young women. Meanwhile, Paxton holding onto her belief in God enables her to survive. Reed dying on top of a praying Paxton emphasizes the power of her belief.

Control Is Essential To Mr. Reed's Plan & His Downfall

What Heretic Is Trying To Say About Religion

Ironically, it is Reed's one true religion that gives him the most power and also leads to his downfall. Reed creates this giant simulation, including his maze and his tricks, to keep his victims in his control. However, when Barnes and Paxton behave differently from how he expects, his plan begins to falter. This element of surprise leaves Reed trying desperately to regain control, which is exactly when Paxton unravels his tricks, starting with the prophet woman who died and was "resurrected." Heretic shows that control is never complete, as human nature and free will create subtle changes.

Heretic was written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who created and co-wrote A Quiet Place.

Ultimately, Reed's ideas and Paxton's unpacking of them are the core of Heretic's message. While Reed makes some interesting points about religion, his jaded point of view ends up leading to his demise. Though religion can be used to control people, it can also inspire individuals to keep fighting for themselves and others, in the same way Paxton does. In the end, Heretic offers some truly meaningful explorations of religion in the 21st century.