What makes someone a great actor and does that mean they should get an Oscar? This year that question more than ever is for Hugh Grant and his performance in Heretic. The film is about two missionaries who knock on the wrong door. They find themselves at the mercy of an older man who plays games with their lives. He taunts the poor girls with the various concepts of religion while making them do as he demands, demanding a game of chess of these new pawns. He tries to make them question their own beliefs. It’s certainly an intriguing cat-and-mouse game with religious belief at the center of it.
The cinematography and direction are typical A24 style, which doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s just not innovative or anything new. Still, you must give them credit for achieving a style that automatically “creeps” you out. The storyline isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. Since Saw there have been more “let’s play a game” or “Simon Says” movies and this isn’t much different. Still, it doesn’t feel drugged-out or worn out. The religious angle is a fresh take on these themes and makes the film more interesting.
The acting was decent in some parts and pretty lame in others. As always, Hugh Grant delivers. Even in the moments where he is supposed to be creepy, you can see the charm and feel like you are taking a peek behind the mask. This is one of Hugh Grant’s better performances. So, what is great acting? I took a film class where we were taught there are many ways to identify great acting, but one of the easiest is to watch without the sound. If you don’t have context or dialog, are they interesting? Can you tell what the story is about? Do they make you want to know more?
While I think Hugh Grant is an amazing actor and definitely shows it in all his films, I I think this is the Oscar on the horizon. He definitely delivers and deserves the accolade. I just don’t think he’s going to receive it for this film…not this year with so many great performances by male actors. But if you’re wondering an Hugh Grant play a good villain…yes, and Heretic proves it. Maybe he will win an Oscar for his next villain role. Overall, I thought it was a good movie. I would say an eight out of ten. It’s definitely worth checking out and worth the price of a ticket.
