The Heretic 2024 – Faith, Fear, and the Fight for Truth

Before I dive into this review, let me just say: The Heretic had me hooked. The story, cinematography, and acting were exceptional. If you’re into psychological thrillers or “horror lite,” you’ll enjoy this movie. With a small cast, the dialogue had to be sharp, and it didn’t disappoint.

But before we unpack this film, let’s get the housekeeping out of the way:

1. Spoilers ahead — if you haven’t seen the movie, bookmark this review for later.
2. Rated R — for some adult topics like discussions about pornography and condoms, a bit of blood, and the overall tension of captivity and escape.

Let’s dive in.

What Happens When Faith Knocks on the Wrong Door?

The Heretic begins with two young Mormon missionaries, Sis. Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sis. Paxton (Chloe East), traveling door-to-door to share their faith. Sis. Barnes, the short-haired brunette, has a quiet strength and a hint of world-weariness. In contrast, Sis. Paxton, the chatty blonde, exudes an innocent enthusiasm that betrays her sheltered upbringing.

But their faith is about to be tested in the most terrifying way when they knock on the door of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), a religious fanatic with sinister intentions. He’s determined to challenge their beliefs — and their survival instincts.

Setting the Stage

The movie opens with the two young women sitting at a bus stop. Their conversation is casual, almost trivial, but it subtly sets the stage for the central theme: What do we believe, and why do we believe it?

As Sis. Paxton remarks:

“What else do we believe just because of marketing? Like if you grew up thinking the Book of Mormon was fake, you’d probably believe it was fake because that’s what you were told.”

This line hints at the core question of the film: Do we believe something because it’s true or because we’ve been conditioned to believe it?

Evangelism and Danger

When Sis. Barnes and Sis. Paxton arrive at Mr. Reed’s home, they’re drenched from the rain. Mr. Reed invites them in but Barnes hesitates, citing a safety rule: they can’t enter a home unless another woman is present. But Mr. Reed assures them his wife is inside, and despite their initial reservations, they follow him in.

This moment is a critical turning point. The rule was there to protect them, but it only works if it’s followed. How often do we, like them, compromise on safety or wisdom because we’re uncomfortable or impatient?

God’s rules are there for our protection, but they only work when we obey them.

A Villain with an Agenda

Once inside, Mr. Reed reveals his true colors. He’s not just a skeptic — he’s a manipulator, using his knowledge of religion to twist and unsettle the young missionaries. They are his captives and he’ll use that captivity to share his own beliefs. He dismisses Mormonism as a false faith and compares religion to marketing, claiming that the most popular religions are simply the best-branded.

While his arguments might sound logical on the surface, they leave out the spiritual dimension of faith. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us:

“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”

Mr. Reed’s ultimate goal is control, not truth. As the tension escalates, he forces the women into a psychological game where their faith and survival are at stake.

Faith Under Fire

The most compelling moment comes when Sis. Barnes pushes back against Mr. Reed. After enduring his taunts and logical traps, she finally speaks up:

“Your rhetoric is thin, and your garage sale board game metaphors are kind of offensive. You ask why Judaism only makes up 0.2% of the world’s population but didn’t even pause for the Holocaust. You skip over the persecution they’ve faced and use it as a punchline. And you breeze past glaring differences between mythological gods and Jesus… one of those gods has a frikkin’ bird head!”

Her wit and courage are a breath of fresh air, but her response is purely intellectual. While it appears to temporarily throw Mr. Reed off balance, it lacks the spiritual power that only God’s Word can bring.

As Christians, we’re reminded that intellectual challenges won’t always bring about change. In Ephesians 6:17 , the Bible says to wield the sword of the Spirit — the Word of God — in our battles:

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

What Do I Believe?

This movie hit close to home for me. Like Barnes and Paxton, I’ve had Mormons knock on my door and I would welcome them in to share my faith. And like Mr. Reed, I’ve been guilty of focusing so much on “winning” a debate that I lost sight of the Gospel’s true purpose: to glorify God and bring people into a loving relationship with Jesus.

For over 30 years, I’ve studied the Bible and practiced evangelism. One of the most important tools I’ve learned is hermeneutics — the art and science of Biblical interpretation. Yet, understanding the Bible isn’t just about head knowledge; it’s about letting God’s truth transform your heart and guide your life.

Dr. Walter Martin, a radio Bible teacher taught me hermenuetics through his cassette tape teachings (oops I dated myself), once said:

“Truth by definition is exclusive. If truth were all-inclusive, nothing would be false.”

This movie challenged me to ask: Am I sharing the truth in love, or am I trying to “win” the argument like Mr. Reed?

Marketing vs. Revelation

Mr. Reed argues that religion is just another product of marketing, comparing it to the popularity of Monopoly. But faith isn’t about persuasion or branding — it’s about revelation.

Romans 1:20 reminds us:

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Faith isn’t about being “sold” on an idea; it’s about encountering the truth of God through His Word, His creation, and His Spirit.

5 Lessons from The Heretic for Real Life Faith

The film doesn’t just entertain—it challenges viewers to think deeply about belief. Here are five actionable lessons for Christians:

1. Evangelism Requires Wisdom

While sharing our faith is vital (Matthew 28:19), we must also be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Barnes and Paxton violated a safety rule meant to protect them, walking into a dangerous situation. Similarly, Christians must balance boldness with discernment.

• Actionable Step: Prepare for evangelism by role-playing tough conversations and learning to recognize unsafe situations.

2. Faith Will Be Challenged

Mr. Reed’s arguments against religion reflect common critiques: hypocrisy among believers, the history of religious conflict, and similarities between Christianity and other faiths. These objections can rattle unprepared believers.

• Actionable Step: Study apologetics to strengthen your understanding of why you believe what you believe (1 Peter 3:15). Consider resources like C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity.

3. Rules Only Protect Us When Followed

God’s commands are not arbitrary; they are for our good (Deuteronomy 10:13). Barnes and Paxton ignored their rule about not entering a home without seeing a female host. Similarly, Christians can fall into danger when we disregard God’s boundaries.

• Actionable Step: Reflect on areas where you may be cutting corners spiritually, and commit to obedience in those areas.

4. Faith Is Inherently Confrontational

Evangelism involves confronting other worldviews, even when done lovingly. Mr. Reed’s hostility highlights how deeply people can resist faith. The gospel itself is “a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23).

• Actionable Step: Approach conversations with humility, understanding that rejection is not personal but often spiritual resistance.

5. God Uses Peril for Purpose

Though The Heretic is fiction, it mirrors real-life stories of believers who have faced persecution and danger. In the film, Barnes and Paxton’s ordeal ultimately strengthens their faith.

• Actionable Step: When trials come, remember Romans 8:28: “God works all things together for good for those who love Him.”

Not Just a Thriller

The Heretic isn’t just a thriller — it’s a thought-provoking exploration of belief, doubt, and the dangers of blind faith. While the film doesn’t provide a clear answer to the questions it raises, it challenges us to examine our own faith.

As Christians, we’re called to engage with skeptics and seekers, but always with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). And when our faith is tested, we must remember to rely not on our own understanding, but on the power of God’s Word.

If you enjoy films that make you think — and maybe squirm a little — I highly recommend The Heretic. Just be prepared to ask yourself some tough questions along the way.