Heretic Cast & Character Guide

Heretic is a great horror film and has earned some of the highest accolades of star Hugh Grant's career. The movie thrives on his performance, which shifts from funny to chilling and back again with startling effectiveness. Grant has a pair of up-and-coming stars opposite him, who prove more than capable of keeping up with the seasoned movie star. It's a movie that lives or dies on the strength of those lead performances, and the three stars of Heretic do a terrific job bringing the story to life.

Hugh Grant As Mr. Reed

Born September 9, 1960

Active Since: 1982

Actor: Hugh Grant is the leading antagonist of Heretic and serves as the film's primary threat. Born in the Hammersmith district of London, England, Grant made his film debut in 1982's Privileged before finding his big break with 1987's Maurice. Grant rose to global stardom thanks to his role in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Grant subsequently appeared in other iconic romantic comedies, including Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary. His roles have grown more diverse lately, ranging from horror movies like Heretic to action movies like The Gentlemen, comedies like Paddington 2, and TV thrillers like The Undoing.

Character: Mr. Reed is the main antagonist of Heretic. A seemingly charming and erudite man who lives in the woods, he welcomes Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton into his home for a conversation about religion. Although he retains the natural comedic charms of Grant's other roles, the actor gives Mr. Reed a quietly unsettling edge that becomes more apparent as the film progresses.

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Sophie Thatcher As Sister Barnes

Born October 18, 2000

Active Since: 2015

Actor: Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sophie Thatcher made her screen debut in guest roles in shows like Chicago P.D. and The Exorcist. After appearing in the sci-fi film Prospect alongside Pedro Pascal, Thatcher found her big break with the role of the younger Natalie in Yellowjackets. Thatcher has juggled appearances in films like The Boogeyman and shows like The Book of Boba Fett alongside a music career, which includes her recently released debut EP "Pivot & Scrape."

Character: Sophie Thatcher plays Sister Barnes in Heretic, one of the two Mormon missionaries who visit Mr. Reed. A more quietly confident character than her friend Sister Paxton, Sister Barnes is revealed to have joined the church along with her mother after a number of tragedies in her life. Sister Barnes is also more overtly suspicious of Mr. Reed, and becomes committed in the girls escaping from his clutches.

Chloe East As Sister Paxton

Born February 16, 2001

Active Since: 2013

Actor: Born in San Clemente, California, Chloe East has been acting since she was a child. East made her screen debut in the HBO series True Blood. The actor subsequently appeared in several other TV shows, ranging from a supporting role in the Disney Channel original series Liv and Maddie, to lead roles in shows like Ice and Kevin (Probably) Saves the World. East made her film debut in the movie Next Level before appearing in movies like The Fablemans and Popular Theory.

Character: Chloe East plays Sister Paxton in Heretic, the other missionary alongside Sister Barnes. Introduced as a softer and sweeter young woman than her more stoic and confident friend, Sister Paxton is initially more friendly and open with Mr. Reed. However, as her terror over their situation increases, Sister Paxton finds herself challenged in ways she's never expected.

The Rest Of Heretic's Cast

Image via A24

Heretic Doesn't Have Much Of A Supporting Cast

Heretic is a tightly constructed film, with little time or attention paid to other characters. Much of the run-time is focused on Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton within Mr. Reed's home. This means there are only a few other named characters in the film at all. Topher Grace (That 70's Show) is the most notable, who appears as a leading member of Barnes and Paxton's church, Elder Kennedy. Elle Young, Wendy Gorling, and Stephanie Lavinge appear in minor but important roles (that are impossible to discuss without delving into spoilers). This focus benefits Heretic's specific story and focus.

Two young women of faith are drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse after seeking refuge in the house of a mysterious and unsettling man. As they navigate a labyrinth of psychological and supernatural horrors, their beliefs and survival instincts are pushed to the limit.

Director Scott Beck , Bryan Woods

Release Date November 8, 2024

Studio(s) A24

Writers Scott Beck , Bryan Woods