Remember the charming guy from “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994), “Nine Months” (1995), “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Love Actually,” and “Notting Hill”? Just seeing him on screen made you believe in love, kindness, humor, and the gentle, sensitive qualities of a romantic lead. We all eagerly awaited his next romantic film because he was so perfect in those roles. But what happened to him? Suddenly, he’s playing the bad guy in “A Very English Scandal,” “The Undoing,” and even trying to harm Paddington! Who does that? It’s almost unthinkable. But whatever path Hugh Grant has taken, I don’t mind — because in “Heretic,” he delivers a masterful performance as a villain that’s nothing short of spectacular. Honestly, I could watch him in these roles endlessly.

“Heretic,” co-written and co-directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is a standout horror film for me, even though I’m not a fan of explicit violence, which becomes more prevalent in the second half. The film follows two Mormon missionaries (played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who mistakenly knock on the wrong door. The man who answers, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), could have sent them away, but instead, he graciously invites them in. What they don’t realize is that once they enter, there’s no way out — not until they can fully explain the purpose of their faith and prove it with undeniable evidence. But how can anyone prove the existence of God without ever having met Him? Mr. Reed is relentless, and the missionaries must find a way to escape. But can they?

“Heretic” is packed with sharp, intelligent dialogue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The conversations are so gripping they left me in awe. From the start, it’s clear that Mr. Reed is a sinister figure playing a cruel game. The missionaries soon realize this as well. They are smart, but they don’t know that defeating Mr. Reed in his own game of cat and mouse won’t be easy. His twisted mind has set traps that seem impossible to escape. Just when you think they might finally find a way out, another door slams shut, reminding everyone that once you’re inside, there is no escape.

Without giving too much away, “Heretic” is an incredibly smart, engaging, and thrilling film that’s as entertaining as it is terrifying. Towards the end, it becomes so intense that I found myself closing my eyes in fear. Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East deliver stellar performances that are genuinely chilling. Their portrayals will give you goosebumps. The film’s brilliant writing and direction elevate it to another level, making it a wild and unsettling ride. And it proves that Hugh Grant, who has long hidden his potential behind romantic roles, has now emerged as a truly versatile actor. His portrayal of villains is so captivating that you will savor every moment. He has shown us the full range of his talent, cementing his status as one of the greatest living actors — a name to be remembered for generations.

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