In Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ movie “Heretic“, two young Mormon missionaries walk into a house to spread their faith, but instead find themselves caught in a harrowing conflict over religious beliefs. Hugh Grant delivers an eerie portrayal as Mr. Reed, who appears friendly yet harbors profoundly unsettling views. This character shift gradually turns a simple religious debate into a psychological battleground. Sister Barnes, played by Sophie Thatcher, and Sister Paxton, portrayed by Chloe East, are put to the test as they grapple with fundamental doubts about their faith. The film derives its strength from its examination of belief as both a source of salvation and a form of confinement, showing how deeply held religious convictions can be turned into tools of manipulation by those who know how to use them effectively.
For individuals who find the psychological exploration of faith in ‘Heretic’ disturbing, there are alternative films that delve into this unsettling subject matter from unique perspectives. These productions shun senseless blasphemy and overused exorcism motifs, instead offering nuanced investigations into how religious institutions can transform into frightening entities rather than sanctuaries. They compel viewers to ponder challenging questions regarding belief systems’ impact on identity, all while providing chilling horror encounters that echo long after the conclusion. Here are three theological horror films you might want to explore post ‘Heretic’.
Immaculate
In “Immaculate,” Sister Cecilia, portrayed by Sydney Sweeney, finds her deep devotion meaningless when those in authority reduce her to merely a container for their desires. Upon entering a secluded Italian convent, her seemingly divine pregnancy at first seems like a blessing, but as she delves deeper, she uncovers a shocking secret about the institution’s intentions towards her. The film masterfully reimagines Catholic symbols throughout its duration – crosses, rosary beads, and religious artwork that initially appear as divine shields gradually mutate into signs of confinement as Cecilia’s circumstances worsen.
As a movie enthusiast, I found “Immaculate” to be an expansive take on the theme explored in “Heretic,” delving into how unchecked power within religious institutions can foster abuse. Director Michael Mohan masterfully crafts chilling horror not by relying on supernatural elements, but by exposing the unsettling speed at which religious devotion can transform into a weakness when those claiming to serve a divine purpose turn tyrannical. This makes “Immaculate” an ideal companion piece to “Heretic,” as both films grasp that the most bone-chilling aspect of theological horror is not demons or possession, but rather humanity’s capacity to twist sacred teachings for personal gain.
The Witch
Robert Eggers’s The Witch drops viewers into 1630s New England, where religious belief births historical Puritan terror. After being banished from their plantation, Ralph Ineson’s William establishes a farmstead at the edge of a foreboding forest where his family’s rigid faith proves insufficient against mounting horrors that blur the line between supernatural influence and psychological projection.
Instead of the fast-paced religious arguments in “Heretic”, “The Witch” builds suspense through detailed historical authenticity, using realistic dialogue, natural lighting, and genuine costumes. The film’s main conflict revolves around Anya Taylor-Joy’s character, Thomasin, whose maturation coincides with her family’s spiritual decline. Unlike “Heretic”, which investigates the consequences of dismantling faith, “The Witch” raises a more profound question: what occurs when religious beliefs transform into prisons? The film’s thought-provoking ending does not provide comforting answers, suggesting that freedom might necessitate accepting what your religion deems as wicked—a complex theme that echoes the disquiet felt by viewers who followed “Heretic”‘s exploration of faith.
The Lodge
In the movie titled “The Lodge“, Riley Keough’s character Grace confronts the lasting impact of her childhood traumatic experiences with religion. Having fled a suicide cult and constructed a precarious existence for herself, Grace’s tranquility is disrupted during a winter getaway with her prospective stepchildren. In a heartless move, these children manipulate her by making her believe that they have all perished and are now in purgatory, thus deliberately triggering the reawakening of her dormant religious conditioning.
In their film, “The Lodge,” directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala craft an intensely claustrophobic atmosphere as the secluded cabin transforms into a boiling pot, testing Grace’s grip on sanity amid rising tension and strategically placed religious cues. This movie delves into how past religious upbringing leaves lasting psychological cracks that can be manipulated long after one has moved away from such beliefs. The story culminates in a heart-wrenching finale, implying that the most treacherous element of rigorous religious indoctrination isn’t the intellectual acceptance but rather the behavioral conditioning, an instinctive reaction that defies rationality and can be highly detrimental to those around you. This theme beautifully contrasts with the examination of faith under siege presented in “Heretic.
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2025-03-10 20:40