The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been on damage control recently. A Nov. 4 news release on the Church’s site, posted just days before the opening of A24 film Heretic, doesn’t mention the psychological thriller by name, but aims to “assist journalists and the public with questions and concerns regarding the safety and well-being of missionaries.” Utah outlet St. George News reported that LDS Director of Media Relations Doug Anderson “decried the film.”
The plot centers on two LDS missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who endure intense torment in the home of Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant (gone full Ray Wise in his transformation from heartthrob to villain). Grant is nominated for best actor in a comedy or musical (the film is, apparently, being interpreted as a dark comedy) at the 2025 Golden Globes, airing Sunday, Jan. 5.
Heretic is the 11th feature film from Bettendorf-raised filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The pair are best known for A Quiet Place and 65.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of two films made while the childhood friends were studying at the University of Iowa. The Beck-directed film University Heights won the second annual MTVU Best Film on Campus competition. Her Summer, directed by Woods, was also entered in the competition, underscoring the “healthy, friendly competition of ideas” that Beck cited as a backbone of their partnership in an interview with Iowa Now in 2017.
Also in memorable anniversaries, this month marks one year since Beck and Woods opened the Last Picture House in Davenport, an independent cinema that also houses a cozy cocktail lounge and a rare art collection of posters and props.
This article was originally published in Little Village’s December 2024 issue.
