Hugh Needs All The Background Stuff As A Foundation,” Bryan Woods Reveals Hugh Grant’s Intense Approach To Heretic

PVRINOX Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of A24’s upcoming thriller HERETIC, releasing in cinemas on 13th December crafted by the visionary writer-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the acclaimed creators of A Quiet Place. HERETIC is an intense and thought-provoking exploration into the dual nature of belief: how faith can guide and uplift, yet also deceive when manipulated by sinister forces. Boasting a stellar cast featuring Hugh Grant as the mysterious Mr. Reed, alongside Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as missionaries, the story plunges into a deadly game of survival led by the enigmatic Mr. Reed. 

In Heretic, a tense psychological game unfolds as two young missionaries, played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, unwittingly find themselves at Mr. Reed’s doorstep, a character brought to life by Hugh Grant with a blend of charm, wickedness, and dark allure. What begins as a seemingly intellectual exchange soon transforms into a perilous battle of wits, with the missionaries forced to navigate the twisted depths of Reed’s mind. Crackling rich debate, Heretic weaponizes Grant's signature charm, casting him in one of his most memorable roles as he weaves religious philosophy with dark humor and cultural commentary, creating a character as compelling as he is unsettling.

Director Bryan Woods highlights Hugh Grant’s dedication in Heretic, revealing how Grant prepared for the complex role by studying religious iconoclasts like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens and diving into the psyches of serial killers and cult leaders to grasp the motivations behind evil. "Hugh’s process is as thorough and intense as any actor we’ve had the fortune to work with, " Woods explains. “He digs through the material, turning it over and over in his mind, and comes to us with question upon question. If there was any line in the movie he didn’t understand, he would go back and research its context. He needs all the background stuff as a foundation, because when he performs in character, he’s truly in the moment.”

Watch The Trailer Here:

Brace yourself for a gripping tale of faith and survival in HERETIC , being released by PVR INOX Pictures in cinemas on 13th December!

ALSO READ: 7 Psychological Thrillers That You Should Watch Before Heretic