Hugh Grant's Creepy Performance in Heretic Is a Must-See on Max—Here's Why!

Get ready to see Hugh Grant in a whole new way! The 2024 horror movie Heretic just arrived on HBO and Max on March 7, 2025, and it's already causing controversy. Known for winning hearts in romantic comedies like Love Actually and Notting Hill, Grant flips the script here, giving us a flat-out terrifying villain in this A24 classic. With a staggering 91% "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, Heretic is more than your average horror movie—it's a smart, heart-pounding thrill ride that'll have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Streaming now thanks to a beautiful deal between A24 and HBO, it's joining the ranks of other A24 blockbusters like Civil War and Dream Scenario on Max. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

So, what's Heretic about? Picture this: two Mormon missionary girls, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), knock on the wrong door and meet Mr. Reed—played by Grant with an unnerving smile that will stick with you. He's a strange guy obsessed with religion and grand concepts, and he invites them in for a game of cat-and-mouse that goes horribly awry. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods—the duo behind A Quiet Place—this movie keeps things small but mighty, focusing on just a handful of characters. What starts as a chat about faith turns into a nail-biting test of wits and beliefs. It’s clever, it’s eerie, and it’s got people talking!

Why You’ll Love Watching Heretic

Here’s the cool part: Heretic isn’t your typical horror movie with jump scares and monsters. Sure, it’s got some classic spooky vibes and wild twists, but what makes it stand out is how it digs into big questions. Even if you’re not into religion, you’ll find yourself sucked into the debates about what faith means, how it shapes us, and whether it’s a force for good or something darker. The characters bounce ideas around like a ping-pong match, and it’s so gripping you’ll barely notice you’re on the edge of your seat. It’s like a brain workout wrapped in a thriller—pretty awesome, right?

And let’s talk numbers: Heretic raked in $57.4 million at the box office on a tiny $10 million budget. That’s a huge win! Fans and critics equally are applauding the way that it manages to get so much out of so little—mere handfuls of actors, just one haunted house, and an always-on-the-go plot. It's a match for the other best horror of 2024 like Longlegs and Late Night With the Devil, though it has a different flavor to it. Whereas those depend so much on storytelling tricks, Heretic has no qualms about taking its time and exploring life's big mysteries. It's a horror film for intellectuals, and that is what sets it apart.

Hugh Grant Steals the Show

Now, let's give Hugh Grant his flowers—he's unreal in this. You know him as the floppy-haired heartthrob of About a Boy or the swoonworthy dude in Four Weddings and a Funeral (which won him a BAFTA way back when). Lately, however, he's been on a hot streak playing baddies—take Paddington 2 or Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. In Heretic, he doubles down. Mr. Reed is clever, unsettling, and laughably fun to watch. Grant's charisma is still intact, but distorted into something unsettling and manipulative—perfect for luring those missionaries into his clutches. Everyone's abuzz about this performance, and no surprise he's been shortlisted for Best Actor in 2025 for BAFTA Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Golden Globes. It may well be his best performance to date!

Why It's a Big Deal on Max

Arriving on Max at this moment—March 8, 2025, 6:35 PM PST—is perfect timing. It's been around four months or so since its theatrical run commenced on November 8, 2024, and it's just off a December digital drop. With A24 and HBO in partnership, Max is the destination for their titles, and Heretic is home. Horror enthusiast or not, this one's got a little something for everyone. It's witty, it's chilling, and it's got Hugh Grant getting on with things like never before. So, make the kettle and switch off the lights, and watch it on stream tonight—you won't regret it!