Trav ... Your Movie Critic 
Film Synopsis of “Heretic“→ Two young women of religion, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) & Sister Paxton (Chloe East), are drawn into a game of cat-and-mouse in the house of an extraordinary, yet very peculiar man, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant).
What Exactly Is a Heretic?
When hardcore horror fans step into a theater, they often seek out obvious jump scares and the adrenaline rush from being “on the edge of their seats.” However, in the excitement of the moment, we. frequently overlook the essential themes and messages that the film aims to convey, just like in this particular movie that most viewers of this film would be unable to answer the question I raised earlier. The answer, however, is critical: it defines a person whose beliefs contradict popular opinion—especially concerning religion. So, would we characterize Hugh Grant’s character as a heretic? I believe we can state with strong conviction—YES!
The Blueberry Trap
While Mr. Reed skillfully wielded his charm and manipulation, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in the shoes of either Sister Missionary, standing uncomfortably on his doorstep as rain poured down around me. The thought of stepping inside his home without first laying eyes on his wife filled me with unease. To me, the old adage “seeing is believing” rang true, and even if I did catch a glimpse of her, I would remain wary, my instincts flagging potential danger. I would demand that the door either stay ajar or be left cracked open, a small measure of safety in an unpredictable situation.
Is CONTROL “Thee Religion?”
This film was expertly executed, but I must express my disappointment with the writers’ choice to center the story on the Mormon religion. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is widely recognized, and the portrayal of the two female leads as sister missionaries sharing the teachings and doctrines of their faith felt predictable.
I firmly believe that the Church should not face any backlash from this film, nor should its members find it offensive. One point Mr. Reed made resonated with me: amidst the myriads of religions in the world, the most important aspect is control—you have the power to choose which faith to follow. However, I strongly disagree with the idea that we are compelled to believe what these churches teach. Each individual possesses free will and agency; we are equipped with our own minds to make our own decisions.
Mr. Reed’s heretic perspective seemed limited, as he appeared intent on forcing people to accept his viewpoint. This stance contrasts sharply with what God offers us today: the freedom to choose authentically in the present. Let’s always keep that in mind!
Survival Instincts of Brother & Sisterhood
There may be times when you feel unsure of your strength or bravery, especially when faced with the challenges life throws your way, whether they’re small or monumental. But it’s important to remember that if you’re here on this earth, there’s a purpose for you. Embrace this truth with all your heart: God has a plan for you, even if you can’t always see or hear Him. He knows you, understands your struggles, and genuinely wants what’s best for you.
You are not alone in this journey. You have a wonderful support system of family and friends who will be there to catch you when you stumble and lift you up when you need encouragement. This concept is beautifully illustrated in a part of a certain film.
I have a brother named Brandon, and we look out for each other, always ready to lend a hand. We are Travdon (Brandon and Travis), and even though we aren’t related by blood, we are family in every sense that matters. Remember, true family is defined by support, loyalty, love, and encouragement—qualities that go beyond DNA. You are surrounded by people who care for you deeply, and together, we can face any challenge.
Don’t Be a Heretic …Be Your Own Self!
Unfortunately, in films like this, characters often find themselves acting impulsively, as if they have forgotten all common sense. The constraints of a 30-minute runtime push them to make rash decisions, derailing logic for the sake of plot advancement. Yet, there’s no justification for scripting their actions in a way that makes them appear foolish, which is a common pitfall in horror films. It’s frustrating to watch characters make choices that contradict their instincts when they should be prioritizing their safety above all else.
In summary: I’ll watch this with an open mind. South Park taught me how to look past someone’s religion and still be their friend. This isn’t my usual horror-type flick but based on what you say, I’ll keep an open mind when I see it.
Yeah. Two topics that always ring true are – religion and politics. That is the ONE statement that is so factual that causes so much strife in the world; confusion/conflict; loss of family/friends. People may not agree with someone else’s choices – but as long as they ACCEPT them and not try to sway them to see their side & debate – the world would be in a much better place than it is today.