What is the Heretic movie about?

Heretic, produced by A24, is a horror-thriller that follows two sister missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who encounter Mr. Reed, a menacing and manipulative man played by Hugh Grant. Reed traps the young women in a psychological game of cat and mouse, testing their faith and forcing them into a struggle between their beliefs and survival. The movie has earned praise for its suspenseful storytelling and psychological depth, sparking discussions about faith and doubt. However, it has also drawn criticism for its portrayal of Latter-day Saints, with the church itself issuing a statement condemning the film’s violent and graphic depiction of its missionaries and misrepresentation of their values.

Truths & Errors in the Portrayal of Mormon Missionaries

The film stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, both former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose backgrounds bring authenticity to their portrayals of sister missionaries. They capture the unique demeanor, speech patterns, and earnestness associated with Mormon missionaries, which may resonate with audiences familiar with Latter-day Saint culture. However, this believability falters when the characters are shown engaging in crude conversations about men and sexual topics, deviating from the values and behaviors expected of missionaries. Another controversial scene shows a group of girls pulling down one missionary’s skirt, revealing her temple garments. Referred to in the movie as “magic underwear,” these garments are sacred to Latter-day Saints, symbolizing personal covenants with God. This disrespectful portrayal has offended members of the church, who value these garments as a private expression of faith.

Accuracy of Mormon Missionary Guidelines 

The movie depicts certain missionary protocols with a degree of accuracy, especially in the scene where the missionaries ask if there is a woman present before entering Mr. Reed’s home. This detail aligns with the missionary handbook, which instructs missionaries to ensure they are never alone with someone of the opposite gender. Yet, the film also shows a single male missionary visiting Mr. Reed’s house unaccompanied, which contradicts these guidelines that mandate missionaries work in pairs to protect their safety and maintain standards. This inconsistency has drawn criticism for misrepresenting the strict companionship rules that missionaries follow.

Misrepresentations of Mormon Polygamy and Latter-day Saint History 

Historical issues such as polygamy are also addressed in Heretic, though not without inaccuracies. In one scene, Mr. Reed challenges the missionaries on their church’s history with polygamy, referencing Joseph Smith’s controversial early practice. The movie suggests that Smith had an affair with a 16-year-old girl named Fanny Alger, whereas scholarly evidence indicates she was closer to 18 and that their relationship was likely a formally arranged marriage rather than an illicit affair. 

Challenges to Beliefs about Historical Figures and Religion

In Heretic, Mr. Reed’s assertions regarding Latter-day Saint beliefs reflect a skeptical worldview influenced by writers like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. However, Latter-day Saints hold strong beliefs in the historical authenticity of these figures and view the scriptures as reliable, sacred records, despite recognizing certain limitations in historical documentation. While the absence of direct evidence for some ancient events complicates scholarly verification, many believers consider the enduring influence of these figures as evidence of their reality and historical presence. Reed’s skepticism serves as a challenge to the missionaries’ faith, mirroring common debates between secular and religious perspectives.

Additional Misconceptions on Latter-day Saint Beliefs: Birth Control and Reincarnation

The film introduces other misconceptions about Latter-day Saint beliefs, suggesting that church members are discouraged from using birth control and may even face guilt for doing so. In reality, the church views decisions about family planning as highly personal, encouraging couples to seek divine guidance without imposing strict rules. Another scene alludes to reincarnation, as one missionary expresses a desire to return as a butterfly. Latter-day Saints do not believe in reincarnation, instead teaching that after death, the spirit and body will reunite in a perfected, immortal state through resurrection. These deviations from church doctrine contribute to the film’s portrayal of the faith as unusual and out of step with mainstream beliefs.

Conclusion: A Thrilling but Flawed Representation of Latter-day Saints

While Heretic provides suspense and intense drama, its portrayal of Latter-day Saints and their beliefs is often inaccurate and relies on stereotypes. If the writers had taken more care with historical facts and cultural sensitivities, the film might have presented a more balanced and respectful depiction of the faith. Instead, Heretic leans on sensationalism, leaving audiences with a thrilling yet distorted impression of Latter-day Saint culture and values.