At the beginning of the new thriller, Heretic, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) are trudging through their mission in a small town. They banter back and forth about their views, building one another’s faith and reminding themselves of why they are out preaching about Heavenly Father. However, their placid world of faith is soon challenged when they knock on the door of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) who has his own take on religion. Writing/directing duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place) prove again their knack for a crackling yarn by pitting two bright-eyed faithful against a cynical villain who uses religious debate as a snare for his sinister plans.

The weather should have indicated to the two sister missionaries how their day of proselytizing would go. The day begins bright and sunny with the usual run-ins with the rude and disinterested. As the day progresses, the wind picks up and these two diligent disciples ride their bicycles in the rain, tracking possible interest in the Mormon church. With one final push of motivation, the two missionaries knock on Mr. Reed’s creaky wooden door. With the rain pouring down on them, they attempt to gauge the man’s interest. After learning that Mr. Reed is married, the two reluctantly agree to take shelter from the rain and discuss religion further. The trap is set.

Religion is always interesting fodder for horror in that it’s the perfect conduit for sometimes unexplainable beliefs and behavior. Heretic takes a different route. Beck and Woods are not interested in using arbitrary notions to justify the nefarious deeds of their villain. No, Mr. Reed is a diabolically knowledgeable man whose ultimate goal is much darker than an exchange of beliefs. We are also treated to two capable and resourceful characters in Sisters Barnes and Paxton. Their faith doesn’t make them unaware of the possibilities of real danger as they are lured further into Mr. Reed’s home. For the most part, the script doesn’t cheat us the pleasure of seeing two very cunning, yet modest girls navigate within the parameters of their faith in a dangerous situation.

To that point, Thatcher and East are stellar as the two well-meaning sister missionaries. The two exude a pure innocence. We believe these characters and nearly every move they make. The film, though, belongs to Grant and his sadistic turn as Mr. Reed. He is at once charming and devilish with his bright eyes and stammering delivery. There is a moment in the film, midway through the film, where Reed’s thesis is laid bare in a lengthy monologue. Again, credit to Beck and Woods for the ingenious dialogue, but it is Grant’s delivery that makes this long stretch of dialogue come to life.

Heretic is a gripping ride. It is a serpentine horror-thriller as well as an exploration of faith that’s one hell of a white-knuckle ride at times. It’s also just a satisfying, suspenseful, piece of work that explores the depths that mankind can go in the name of religion.