The #1 Movie on HBO’s Max Is One of the Best Horror Films of 2024
A feature that claimed the top spot on my favorite horror movies of 2024 list for Dread Central claims the top spot on the Max charts today. The movie in question is a thought-provoking take on religion and faith that isn’t afraid to ask and answer uncomfortable questions. It’s a picture full of surprises that boasts strong performances across the board. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ Heretic.
The film marks a rare sinister turn for lead actor Hugh Grant. The British thespian puts in a glorious turn as a villainous homeowner who lures two unsuspecting young Mormon missionaries into his abode under false pretenses. He strikes the perfect balance between disarming and ominous, gradually moving away from the former and toward the latter.
The setup for this slow-burn horror thriller on Max goes as follows:
Two young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive.
Grant garnered plenty of critical acclaim for his turn in the lead role. He even scored BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for his impressive turn as the film’s antagonist.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are also fantastic as Grant’s unsuspecting victims who eventually catch onto his sinister designs. They bring conviction to their performances, each more than believable as young women whose dedication to their faith has ensnared them in a deadly trap.
Beck and Woods penned the script for this religious horror thriller in addition to directing the project. The duo possess a keen understanding of tension building and demonstrate that throughout Heretic. The film takes a little while to really kick into high gear, but getting there is half the fun. The buildup makes the ultimate payoff all the more satisfying.
If you haven’t yet experienced Heretic, there’s no time like the present. Make your way over to Max and give it a shot. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Stay tuned to Dread Central for more enticing updates on which films are charting on your favorite streaming platforms. If you’re game to keep up with me on social media, come find me on Threads @FunWithHorror.
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