Is Heretic based on a true story?

No, Heretic is not based on a true story. It is entirely a fictional creation from the writers’ imaginations. While the film does make an effort to authentically represent some elements of Latter-day Saint culture—helped by the background of actresses Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who are former members of the Church—there are also several inaccuracies and misrepresentations in its portrayal of beliefs and practices.

The movie weaves a dramatic and fictional narrative, including criticisms of Christianity and Latter-day Saint beliefs voiced by the antagonist, Mr. Reed. These arguments, while central to the story’s tension, are not new or particularly threatening when examined critically. Additionally, some scenes, such as the depiction of missionary behavior, stray far from reality, diminishing the authenticity of the characters despite the actresses’ best efforts to ground them in truth.

If Heretic is not based on a true story, what’s Heretic about?

Heretic is a fictional thriller from A24, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (writers of *A Quiet Place*), that explores faith, manipulation, and survival. The story follows Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), a deranged religious scholar who traps two sister missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his home, tormenting them in an attempt to force them to reject their faith and teachings.

What starts as a seemingly routine missionary visit takes a sinister turn when Mr. Reed lures the sisters inside under false pretenses. Once trapped, they become a captive audience for his theological rants, where he attempts to reduce their beliefs to mere sales tactics. The tension escalates when he presents a chilling test: two “exit” doors marked “BELIEF” and “DISBELIEF,” claiming their freedom hinges on the right choice. His home is meticulously designed as a prison, with locked doors, signal-blocking walls, and no escape. Variety describes the film as a “fiery back-and-forth” between the missionaries and their self-righteous captor.

At the end of Heretic, Sister Paxton outsmarts the manipulative Mr. Reed, but the conclusion remains ambiguous.