Hugh Grant is making waves this spooky season as he steps into a deeply sinister role in Heretic, a psychological thriller set to release on Friday. Known for his romantic and comedic roles, Grant portrays the enigmatic “Mr. Reed,” a chilling character who lures two young missionaries into a twisted game of survival, blending dark humor with psychological terror. Heretic, written and directed by A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, also stars Topher Grace, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East and is distributed by A24 Films.
In an exclusive interview, Grant shared how he prepared for this haunting role by studying real-life cult leaders and infamous criminals. “I get a perverse pleasure from being diabolical,” Grant confessed, highlighting his fascination with diving into such psychologically complex characters. “I read a lot about cult leaders and serial killers…psychologically, it’s fascinating research.” He attributes Mr. Reed’s unsettling charisma to influences like Jim Jones, Keith Raniere, and even famed atheist thinkers Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, creating an “amalgamation of 30 different real-life people.”
Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed brings an eerie charm that he describes as “cheeky” and “mischievous,” adding layers of complexity to his character. “He’s really messed up and bad, but he thinks he’s quite fun,” Grant shared. This combination of comedy and terror offers a unique twist, which Beck and Woods purposefully crafted to unsettle audiences, questioning traditional ideas of morality and control.
As an experienced actor, Grant took a deep dive into his character’s psyche, thoroughly analyzing every line and backstory element to understand what makes Mr. Reed so dangerous. Beck and Woods noted that Grant’s depth of commitment to researching cult dynamics and dark psychology was essential to bringing Mr. Reed’s character to life, capturing the attention of audiences already drawn to Heretic‘s tension-filled trailers.
Beyond character preparation, Grant reflected on how exploring such dark roles has shifted his own perspectives. “The older I get…the more I’ve realized the importance of just showing up and trusting your instincts, even if it isn’t perfect,” Grant noted, adding that he’s learned to embrace imperfection both in his career and family life. Known for his signature charm, Grant admitted he shares a family “tick” of easily winning over people, but he made clear that his charm as Mr. Reed masks something far more sinister.
Heretic not only explores fear but also challenges audiences to examine their beliefs about authority, trust, and manipulation. With Grant leading a stellar cast, this atmospheric thriller promises to be a riveting exploration of dark charisma and human vulnerability, positioning Heretic as a must-watch thriller this Halloween season.
