I went to see Heretic on Sunday, along with some fellow heretics. A group that included one non- and five ex-Mormons, two of whom were returned LDS missionaries. We were not disappointed.
The critics were a little. Manohla Dargis of the New York Times wrote: “Even as the movie dribbles into disappointing familiarity, the pleasure he (Hugh Grant) exudes as an irredeemable fiend is plenty seductive.”
Not being a fan of horror flicks, I can’t speak to the film’s familiarity. There were plenty of surprises for me. But I agree that Grant’s irredeemable fiend is plenty seductive. Award worthy seductive even.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are equally impressive in their spot-on renditions of LDS sister missionaries. They’re cheerful, wholesome, and appropriately deferential, but not without complexity. Like so many of the Mormon women I’ve known, these sisters are way more intelligent than they let on, an ideal set-up for the lively matching of wits that ensues.
In a previous post I envisioned potential storylines that might have played out had a Mormon written the script. Thankfully no such patriarchy-fueled scenario comes to pass. While one elder does investigate the sisters’ disappearance, his inquiry dissolves into an anemic door approach.
The one snag in this film’s near flawless representation of the Mormons is that the elder lacks a companion. However, in defense of the filmmakers, crowding the picture with two of these incurious dolts might have strained a viewer’s willing suspension of disbelief. One chucklehead is enough.
After all, it’s the sisters who are the heroes of this movie, and it is a delight to watch them go toe to toe with a sadistic madman, wrangling over theology, and slowly turning the tables on him, one scene after another. Or at least in the scenes where I wasn’t hiding my eyes. (Still not a fan of horror flicks.)
So, as I pondered in a previous post, will believing Mormons see this film? Gosh I hope so. Yes, it’s rated R. Yes, there is mention of some of unflattering moments in LDS history. But these two sisters are…how can I say it? Golden.
I’m now envisioning another potential storyline. Scores of LDS women, emboldened by this heroic, blood-soaked tale of female empowerment, are pouring out of theaters, ready to throw off the shackles of patriarchy, fight for themselves, and control their own destinies! Go for it, sisters!
(cough) If only…
Heretic Review: If only…
I’m looking forward to seeing it. Am just now thinking that if a Mormon had written it, it wouldn’t have been about *sister* missionaries. I’d guess the elders are still always the stars!
I still say there’s nothing more horrifying that tacky Mormon receptions in basketball courts, and being told what underwear to wear.
Excellent movie review, Donna.
Monya, exactly. Oh, and I just read that Elder Kennedy (the incurious dolt) was played by Topher Grace. He was a convincing chucklehead, but was he supposed to be an Elder? At his age? As I said, this was a snag in an otherwise faithful rendering of the Mormons. Can’t wait to hear what you think of the movie!
Thanks Sid! And yes, those tacky receptions are indeed terrifying. Right up there with Mother’s Day sacrament meetings and youth standards nights. 😉
I so want to see this film!! Thanks for the great review!!
Thanks, chanson! You’ll recognize those 2 sister missionaries. So on the money.
I was under the impression that Topher’s character was the Ward Mission Leader, not a missionary. I may have missed that, though.
Mission Leader! Yes, I think you’re right, Jack. Those filmmakers sure did their homework. Also spot-on that he was cleaning the meetinghouse in one scene. 😉