Hugh Grant has made a surprising mark in the horror genre with his latest film, Heretic, which has achieved a remarkable Rotten Tomatoes score. Heretic offers a chilling new perspective on Grant, who portrays the sinister Mr. Reed in this religious horror film by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the writing-director duo known for A Quiet Place. The story follows young Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who encounter Mr. Reed while attempting to share their faith. What starts as a routine visit quickly spirals into a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Heretic has debuted with an impressive 95% critic score. This high score not only positions it among Grant’s top five best-rated films—below Paddington 2, Sense and Sensibility, and Remains of the Day—but also signals a successful transition from romantic dramas and comedies into more malevolent roles for the well-seasoned actor. Critics praised Grant’s performance, marking a significant departure from his well-known roots. As Heretic releases in theaters this week, on Friday, November 8, the score could fluctuate slightly.
Hugh Grant’s Top Five Best-Rated Films on Rotten Tomatoes |
||
Film |
Critic Score |
Genre |
Paddington 2 |
99% |
Comedy |
Sense and Sensibility |
97% |
Drama |
Remains of the Day |
96% |
Drama |
Heretic |
95% |
Horror |
Merchant Ivory |
94% |
Documentary |
What Heretic’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Means About Its Reviews
Strong Performances And Chilling Atmosphere Enhance The Thrilling Experience
The religious horror film has garnered substantial critical acclaim. Screen Rant‘s own Mae Abdulbaki gave Heretic four stars, noting, “Grant is at the top of his game here, conversational yet alarmingly unhinged. [As] Mr. Reed, Grant is the best kind of villain — threatening, challenging, and sharp as a knife.” Heretic has been deemed a standout horror movie that showcases Grant as the ideal antagonist, moving away from his typical performances. The film explores deep theological themes through sharp dialogue and claustrophobic tension, limiting the setting to the interior of Mr. Reed’s home.
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Heretic‘s high Rotten Tomatoes score bodes well for its box office prospects. Horror movies often have the potential to become profitable hits even without critical acclaim, but the positive word of mouth surrounding Heretic could help it go even further. With a particularly buzzy performance from Grant, this movie could stand out among the fall crowd and become one of the strongest horror films of the year.
Our Take On Hugh Grant’s Newest Hit
The Horror Genre Welcomes a New, Sinister Lead
Grant’s venture into horror with Heretic showcases his versatility as an actor. It not only elevates his status within the genre but also proves that he can effectively portray complex characters beyond his traditional roles. The strong critical response suggests that audiences can expect more foreboding performances from him in the future, as he continues to explore darker narratives. As Heretic finds its place in Grant’s filmography, it stands as a testament to his ability to captivate audiences in unexpected ways. With Heretic coming to theaters this Friday, it’ll be the audiences turn to determine whether they agree with the critics’ consensus.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes