Hugh Grant steals the show in a beautiful, thought-provoking movie that is sure to leave your bones chilled.

“Heretic” follows two young religious women who are forced into unwanted games and trials of a strange man.

First and foremost, the cast is spectacular here. It might be a longshot, but Hugh Grant deserves some Oscar buzz in the coming months. Grant, known for his heartwarming and charming characters, takes the welcoming persona and flips it on its head, adding a sinister side to it. Acting alongside Grant are Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who equally deserve their share of credit for truly captivating performances.

From the moment the women step into the house of Mr. Reed, Hugh Grant’s character, you are engulfed in tension. As the film progresses, it presents new information and then immediately goes back on it, creating an untrusting feeling and unpredictability to the end. “Heretic” not only leaves you guessing at every turn, but it forces you to also rethink everything you just witnessed.

At the film’s core is what it has to say about religion and what it means to put your belief (or disbelief) in something. Mr. Reed’s take on religion is the perfect foil to the two women’s unwavering belief, leading to poignant questions that you, the audience, are forced to answer for yourself.

While it excels with its many twists and turns as the women journey through their unwelcomed maze, some of the reveals do not work fully for me. Maybe with a rewatch, these will feel more natural to me.

Overall, “Heretic” is a philosophical thrill that sucks you into its creepy atmosphere from the first time Hugh Grant shares a devilish smile.

8/10