Spoiler-Free Review of “Heretic” in Theaters: Hugh Grant Delivers an Extremely Unsettling Performance!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“The more you know, the less you know…”

Heretic released in theaters on November 8th 2024 and is currently available to stream on Demand as of December 10th 2024. The psychological horror film stars Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace. It runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

Two young Mormon missionaries become caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they are invited into a home where their faith is tested.

Here is the trailer:

Heretic weaves together a thought-provoking and unnerving story filled with plenty of chilling moments. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of A24

Hugh Grant delivers a stellar performance.

I’m used to seeing Hugh Grant in some of my favorite rom-coms, but he showed off his exceptional range in this film. He was so creepy, elevating any stale content to something extraordinary and compelling by his mere presence. He should seriously get an award for this one. He held my attention the whole time, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

I love that Sophie Thatcher is appearing in more horror films. She is one to watch for sure and I thought that Chloe East gave a convincing performance as well. This was a small cast, but everyone put forth believable performances that really lured the audience into these four walls in such an effective way.

Images courtesy of A24

Unsettling from start to finish…

There wasn’t much going on in this film and at the same time, there was SO MUCH going on. The tension was insane in this one. I didn’t think I would care for this film, but I was really intrigued by the debate going on within these four walls. Everything was executed in such a poetic and subtle way. There was just this endless feeling of being uncomfortable throughout the entire film. It worked so well, bringing me along for the ride, and I was thoroughly satisfied by the final act.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of A24

Sluggish pacing at times.

Be prepared for a slow burn. This one did have some issues with initial pacing, but Hugh Grant kept me invested enough that I didn’t really mind. I think as long as you go into this one understanding that, you’ll still enjoy the film…although I’m not sure that it’s for everyone.

The characters made some terrible decisions at times, but then we wouldn’t have a movie if they didn’t…

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of A24

I’m in!!!

Heretic is a unique and captivating watch that will stick with you long after it’s over!

This movie was such a fantastic surprise and I was blown away by Hugh Grant’s performance.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Heretic in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Two Sentence Horror Stories” on The CW: An Eerie Delight

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

Sometimes less is more and Two Sentence Horror Stories delivers with its short episodes, bringing us just the right amount of unnerving moments for these compelling female protagonists.  Real life horror lurks in the shadows, seeping into our doubts, which creates a unique take on psychological horror, while touching on social concerns seamlessly.  If you are looking for some chilling fun with some terrifying twists, you are in the right place!

Two Sentence Horror Stories is a horror anthology series based on the popular fan-fiction that emerged on Reddit.  Each episode is about 30 minutes in length and follows a different creepy story, somewhat similar to the approach of Hulu’s Into the Dark and The Twilight Zone reboot on CBS All Access. 

The series will feature 8 episodes for season 1 and the first 2 episodes premiered on The CW on August 8th 2019.  While I have been underwhelmed by some of the other horror anthology series currently airing, Two Sentence Horror Stories genuinely surprised me and captured my undivided attention, but will the rest of the episodes be able to measure up?  I’m hoping so!

The Pros:

Two sentence 6
Images courtesy of The CW

Genuinely satisfying twists.

I don’t know about you, but I love playing Nancy Drew when it comes to figuring out any type of mystery and I have to say that both episodes kept me guessing.  The reveals were shocking and unsettling.

Strong female protagonists.

These interesting female characters will immediately draw you in.  I absolutely love that the majority of the episodes will feature women of color and I really thought that the performances were believable and spot on.  There are so many real life dangers that women have to face and this series has successfully brought some of these social concerns to light without hitting you over the head with them like some other series.

The episodes are the perfect length and really pay tribute to where Two Sentence Horror Stories originated.

I mean, it would probably be silly to have a series based on horror stories consisting of two sentences airing for an hour, but is 30 minutes enough time to truly make an impact?  Yes!  While I have been previously bored by some other horror anthology series, I really appreciated the short length of the episodes of Two Sentence Horror Stories.  The creepy background music and the simplicity of it all just works somehow and it doesn’t drag anything out.

I also love that each episode starts off with the first sentence of the horror story and then once the twist is revealed, it ends with the second sentence, really reminding you what this show is based on and proving that something genuinely terrifying and unique doesn’t have to be long and drawn out.

The Cons:

Two sentence 7
Images courtesy of The CW

Maybe not the type of horror you are expecting.

I honestly really can’t come up with a con for this series yet, as both episode 1 (Gentleman) and episode 2 (Squirm) deliver.  The only thing I would say is if you are expecting something supernatural or a slasher gory massacre, this is not for you.  It has more of a dark psychological vibe, but the real life terror works just as effectively in my opinion.  We’ll have to see if the remaining 6 episodes can hold up to the first 2, but I have high expectations now.

So am I in or out? 

Squirm
Images courtesy of The CW

I am in 100 percent!  I have to admit that I didn’t really expect much going into this series.  The CW added it to the summer line-up, which made me hesitate slightly, but I am so glad that I gave this series a chance because it is unique, smart, and scary!  I can’t wait to watch the next episodes and I definitely recommend it!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Two Sentence Horror Stories in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?  Do you enjoy dark fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery?  Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I really hope you enjoy!

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