Unlocking the Hidden Meaning Behind Heretic’s Final Credits Song!

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In the 2024 horror movie “Heretic,” a tune that resonates during the closing credits is often overlooked as it mirrors the film’s central themes. Directed by Scott Beck, the film features Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed, a seemingly benevolent individual who invites Mormon missionaries into his home to share their faith and rescue his soul. However, these young women soon discover that they are imprisoned in Mr. Reed’s house, and their lives are at stake.

In the novel “Heretic,” Mr. Reed engages the two young women in discussions about their religious beliefs, presenting them with various possibilities to demonstrate their devotion to God. However, the primary focus of his discourse is that all religions are essentially different versions of one another. For decades, Mr. Reed has been on a quest to find the genuine “true” religion, and he holds the view that they are all just slightly modified replicas of each other. In his opinion, these religions are all unfounded, and there is only darkness following death. Upon concluding “Heretic,” a song is played that subtly echoes these ideas.

Heretic’s Final Song Is Another “Iteration”

Sophie Thatcher Covers ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’

The movie concludes with Sophie Thatcher, one of its stars, singing a song. Sister Barnes, her character in the horror film, may or may not have survived till the end, depending on the viewer’s interpretation of the final scenes. However, it is the selection of this song, specifically Thatcher’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” that stands out when considering the film’s underlying themes.

Another valid perspective is that this film’s discussion on cover songs being analogous to organized religions is worth considering. Mr. Reed brings up “Creep” by Radiohead, explaining it as a reinterpretation of “The Air That I Breathe” by The Hollies. He further notes that Lana Del Rey adopted this concept in her song “Get Free.” Similarly, Thatcher’s cover of “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star was sung using the lyrics from “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” illustrating this comparison.

What Heretic Ending With An Iteration Means For The Movie’s Message

The Song Being An Iteration Compares Well With Religion

In a fresh interpretation, Thatcher gave “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” a captivating makeover by drawing inspiration from Mazzy Star in her rendition of Bob Dylan’s lyrics. This cover version, distinct from the original, aligns beautifully with the theories espoused by Mr. Reed, who believed that everything is essentially a reworking of something else. Given that this final song is a modern take on a timeless classic and a chart-topper, it serves as an excellent illustration of his philosophy.

In the movie “Heretic,” Mr. Reed argues that multiple organized religions are essentially the same, with minor variations. This recurring idea is central to the film’s narrative. The song played during the credits serves as another means of reinforcing this concept. What makes it effective is that the lyrics touch upon themes related to death and the afterlife, which align perfectly with the movie’s overall themes. Thatcher shared her views on why this particular song was chosen in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

The remake carries a melancholic, feminine, and dreamy tone, contrasting greatly with Dylan’s original which is more straightforward. The similarities to the film were striking, making it almost a perfect fit… In essence, this cover transformed ‘Fade into You’ into ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.’ It was an intelligent choice that added a lovely finishing touch to the movie.

In a clever twist, Hugh Grant’s character made it clear to viewers that some musicians rework other songs and pass them off as their own. Similarly, Sophie Thatcher did the same by selecting a cover song for the end credits. This choice served as a poignant reminder, echoed by the creators of Heretic, that nothing is truly original, even in the final moments of the film.

Source: Rolling Stone

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2025-06-07 22:28