“Quite a nasty piece of work”: Hugh Grant speaks about his darker roles and Heretic

November 30, 2024 - 8:09 AM IST

PVRINOX Pictures proudly presents Heretic from A24 Films, an intense psychological horror-thriller from the creators of A Quiet Place, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The film stars Hugh Grant as the enigmatic Mr. Reed, with Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as two missionaries ensnared in a deadly game of survival. Set to release on Friday, December 13, Heretic promises to redefine the boundaries of psychological horror.

“Quite a nasty piece of work”: Hugh Grant speaks about his darker roles and Heretic

Heretic follows the gripping journey of Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), whose seemingly routine day turns into a nightmare after they knock on the wrong door. What starts as an innocent encounter quickly escalates into a deadly psychological battle with the diabolical Mr. Reed. As the story unfolds, the girls are forced to navigate a harrowing test of faith, where belief becomes both a source of strength and a life-altering trap.

Hugh Grant, renowned for his iconic roles in romantic comedies, has undergone a significant transformation in his acting journey over the past decade. Reflecting on his recent choices, Grant remarked, “Over the last 8-10 years, I’ve become addicted to playing freaks, and I have to up it each time, get my dose like any addict.” Grant’s shift towards complex, darker characters, is a departure from his charming, boy-next-door image. Each role seems to push the boundaries further, offering him what he describes as a “dose” of the unusual. It’s a testament to his evolution, showcasing his versatility and willingness to take risks that redefine his career. His latest portrayal of Mr. Reed in Heretic introduces audiences to a sinister and enigmatic character unlike anything he has tackled before.

For decades, Hugh Grant has worked to shake off the image of the hapless charmer from Notting Hill. As he told Andy Cohen in 2015, "I get very annoyed when people think that I am … a polite gentleman. I'm quite a nasty piece of work, and I think people should know that." His recent roles underscore this shift, showcasing a penchant for playing morally complex or outright villainous characters. The filmmakers cast Grant in Heretic after witnessing his transformation into more nefarious roles, seeing him as the perfect fit for the enigmatic Mr. Reed.

From the slick antagonist Phoenix Buchanan in Paddington 2 to the murky, untrustworthy Jonathan Fraser in The Undoing, Grant has embraced the dark side of storytelling with flair. Heretic represents his most manipulative and enigmatic role yet, cementing his evolution as a versatile actor who thrives in roles far removed from his romantic comedy beginnings . Grant describes his role as a "fascinating and daring synthesis of horror and psychological thriller." Reflecting on his character, Mr. Reed, Grant reveals he envisioned him as the "groovy professor" at his university—the kind who was a bit shocking and "made theology fun." This playful yet unsettling approach adds depth to the villain, blending charm with a sinister edge that promises to leave audiences both intrigued and unnerved.

With its chilling narrative, powerhouse performances, and the creative genius of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Heretic is poised to captivate audiences and set a new standard for psychological horror. Mark your calendars for December 13th - this is one cinematic experience you won’t want to miss.

Also Read: Hugh Grant calls his psychological horror-thriller Heretic “Daring film”; says, “It questions a lot of things that many people hold sacred”