Heretic’scast may be small, giving the actors in the film plenty of room to bring their characters to life. Directed and written byA Quiet Placescribes Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the thriller is focused on a pair of young missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who accept an invitation to the home of the seemingly genial Mr. Reed. As their initially pleasant conversation simultaneously grows more personal and abstract, the two young women realize the true danger they’ve stepped into.
Hereticis a great horror film and has earned some of thehighest accolades of star Hugh Grant’s career. The movie thrives on his performance, which shifts from funny to chilling and back again with startling effectiveness. Grant has a pair of up-and-coming stars opposite him, who prove more than capable of keeping up with the seasoned movie star. It’s a movie that lives or dies on the strength of those lead performances, and the threestars ofHereticdo a terrific job bringing the story to life.
Born July 12, 2025
Active Since: 1982
Actor: Hugh Grant is the leading antagonist ofHereticand serves as the film’s primary threat. Born in the Hammersmith district of London, England, Grant made his film debut in 1982’sPrivilegedbefore finding his big break with 1987’sMaurice.Grant rose to global stardom thanks to his role inFour Weddings and a Funeral. Grant subsequently appeared in other iconic romantic comedies, includingNotting HillandBridget Jones’s Diary. His roles have grown more diverse lately, ranging fromhorror movies likeHereticto action movies likeThe Gentlemen, comedies likePaddington 2,and TV thrillers likeThe Undoing.
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Paddington 2
Phoenix Buchanan
Character:Mr. Reed is the main antagonist ofHeretic. A seemingly charming and erudite man who lives in the woods, he welcomes Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton into his home for a conversation about religion. Although he retains the natural comedic charms of Grant’s other roles, the actor gives Mr. Reed a quietly unsettling edge that becomes more apparent as the film progresses.
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A24’s upcoming horror movie Heretic reunites the star and screenwriter of an underrated 2023 Stephen King adaptation that earned $82 million.
Born August 13, 2025
Active Since:2015
Actor:Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sophie Thatcher made her screen debut in guest roles in shows likeChicago P.D.andThe Exorcist. After appearing in the sci-fi film Prospect alongside Pedro Pascal,Thatcher found her big break with the role of the younger Natalie inYellowjackets. Thatcher has juggled appearances in films likeThe Boogeymanand shows likeThe Book of Boba Fettalongside a music career, which includes her recently released debut EP “Pivot & Scrape.”
The Book of Boba Feett
Drash
Character:Sophie Thatcher plays Sister Barnes inHeretic, one of the two Mormon missionaries who visit Mr. Reed. A more quietly confident character than her friend Sister Paxton, Sister Barnes is revealed to have joined the church along with her mother after a number of tragedies in her life.Sister Barnes is also more overtly suspicious of Mr. Reed, and becomes committed in the girls escaping from his clutches.
Born June 03, 2025
Active Since:2013
Actor: Born in San Clemente, California, Chloe East has been acting since she was a child. East made her screen debut in the HBO seriesTrue Blood. The actor subsequently appeared in several other TV shows, ranging from a supporting role in the Disney Channel original seriesLiv and Maddie,to lead roles in shows likeIceandKevin (Probably) Saves the World. East made her film debut in the movie Next Level before appearing in movies likeThe FablemansandPopular Theory.
The Fablemans
Monica Sherwood
Character:Chloe East plays Sister Paxton inHeretic, the other missionary alongside Sister Barnes. Introduced as a softer and sweeter young woman than her more stoic and confident friend, Sister Paxton is initially more friendly and open with Mr. Reed. However, as her terror over their situation increases,Sister Paxton finds herself challenged in ways she’s never expected.
The Rest Of Heretic’s Cast
Heretic Doesn’t Have Much Of A Supporting Cast
Hereticis a tightly constructed film, with little time or attention paid to other characters. Much of the run-time is focused on Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton within Mr. Reed’s home.This means there are only a few other named characters in the film at all. Topher Grace (That 70’s Show) is the most notable, who appears as a leading member of Barnes and Paxton’s church, Elder Kennedy. Elle Young, Wendy Gorling, and Stephanie Lavinge appear in minor but important roles (that are impossible to discuss without delving into spoilers). This focus benefitsHeretic’s specific story and focus.
Heretic
Cast
Heretic, released in 2024, follows two young missionaries who must navigate a perilous test of faith when they encounter the sinister Mr. Reed after knocking on the wrong door, leading to a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.
