Hugh Grant’s Horror Role In ‘Heretic’ Earns Rave Reviews And High Rotten Tomatoes Score

Hugh Grant’s latest film, Heretic, is proving to be a critical success, adding to the actor’s impressive career resurgence. The horror thriller, which premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, has achieved a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 60 reviews. This strong rating places Heretic alongside Grant’s recent critically acclaimed projects like Paddington (99%), Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (91%), and Florence Foster Jenkins (88%).

Critics are praising Heretic for its unique take on the horror genre, with Grant’s chilling portrayal of the unsettling Mr. Reed receiving standout attention. DiscussingFilm’s Anna Miller rated the film four out of five stars, describing Heretic as “the kind of idiosyncratic thriller/horror film that cannot be replicated,” noting Grant’s “wickedly charming” performance as a key highlight. Similarly, Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com calls Heretic a “clever flick” that plays more with psychological tension than typical horror tropes, awarding it three out of four stars.

Reviewers are also lauding Heretic for its exploration of religious themes. Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky writes, “Hugh Grant has never been as terrifying as he is in Heretic,” applauding the film for prompting viewers to question their own beliefs. MovieWeb’s Murjani Rawls agrees, calling the A24 film “enough to send a crack through your belief system.”

Despite the strong reception, some critics have mixed feelings about the film’s structure. Bloody Disgusting’s Meagan Navarro points out that while Heretic “gets hung up in its basic lecture on religion,” Grant’s performance elevates the film. Navarro highlights his “disarming villain” as an “impish type who delights in psychological and theological warfare.”

Set to open nationwide on November 8, Heretic is already generating buzz for its immersive early screenings. On October 30, Joya Studio teamed up with Alamo Drafthouse to host special showings complete with the enticing aroma of blueberry pie—a nod to a pivotal moment in the film.

For horror fans eager for a fresh twist on the genre, Heretic promises an intriguing blend of psychological suspense, thought-provoking themes, and a haunting performance from Grant that cements his latest career resurgence.