In "Heretic," Hugh Grant portrays Mr. Reed, a seemingly charming and intelligent man who invites two Mormon missionaries into his home, only to reveal his true nature as a calculated psychopath12. This role represents a significant departure from Grant's typical romantic comedy characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The film's directors, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, specifically chose Grant for his ability to blend charm and wit with a darker edge, capitalizing on the goodwill he's built with audiences over decades3. Grant's performance as the sinister Mr. Reed has been praised for its effectiveness, with critics noting how his established charm makes his villainous turn even more chilling4.

"Heretic" has garnered strong critical acclaim, maintaining an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes1. Critics have universally praised Hugh Grant's performance, highlighting how his established charm from romantic comedies enhances the effectiveness of his villainous turn. The film's exploration of themes such as faith, power, and belief systems has resonated with audiences, contributing to its positive reception. As Grant's first major horror role in years, "Heretic" showcases his impressive range and ability to captivate viewers in a genre far removed from his typical fare23.

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their work on "A Quiet Place," helm "Heretic" as directors. The film, produced by A24, represents a departure from their previous work and showcases their versatility in the horror genre. Shot in Vancouver, "Heretic" features a talented cast including Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East alongside Hugh Grant1. The psychological thriller explores the intense dynamic between Grant's character and two young Mormon missionaries, delving into themes of faith and power as they become ensnared in Mr. Reed's psychological games23.

"Heretic" made a strong debut at the domestic box office, grossing an estimated $11.02 million from 3,221 locations in its opening weekend1. This performance marks the third-highest opening weekend for an A24 film, surpassing "Talk to Me" ($10.43 million) and trailing only behind "Civil War" and "Hereditary"1. The horror thriller's success can be attributed to effective marketing strategies, including viral and influencer campaigns, which helped attract audiences to theaters1.

The film's opening weekend numbers exceeded initial projections, demonstrating the continued appeal of horror films and Hugh Grant's star power. "Heretic" faced competition from other new releases but managed to secure the third spot at the box office, behind "Venom: The Last Dance" ($16.2 million) and narrowly trailing "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" ($11.1 million)23. With its strong critical reception and audience interest, "Heretic" is poised for a potentially successful theatrical run, aiming to reach the $50 million mark domestically14.