I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I served as a missionary in South America and now live in a home my wife and kids filled with more smiles than I deserve. But here’s the twist: I’m also an internationally bestselling horror author, praised by Publishers Weekly, Scream Magazine, the San Francisco Book Review and everything in between. I’ve been making people scream for years and having tremendous fun doing it.
“Hi! I was a missionary with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Do you have a moment to talk with me about the movie ‘Heretic?’” – Me, now.
For those who don’t know, “Heretic” is the new Hugh Grant-starrer in which his character, Mr. Reed, invites two Latter-day Saint missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) into his home to chat about the Book of Mormon, the faith’s signature scripture. This apparent hospitality, however, is a trap, as Mr. Reed first attempts to dismantle their faith and then attacks, maims and murders women for the rest of the movie.
“How do you feel about … polygamy?” – Mr. Reed, “Heretic”
When Mr. Reed invites the female (or “sister”) missionaries inside, he oozes charm. That’s the bait: A freezing winter day, two exhausted missionaries, a smiling man offering warmth and pie. At first, it seems OK — awkward but OK. Then Mr. Reed lets the sisters have it, blasting holes in their souls with a series of fastball pitches about polygamy. The missionaries squirm. The audience squirms. Mr. Reed grins, Edward Ferrars by way of Hannibal Lecter.
And me? I try to be a considerate audience member, so I work hard not to start laughing.
“I think your rhetoric is thin.” – Sister Barnes, “Heretic”
It’s not the polygamy question itself that makes me want to laugh. It’s the idea that any missionary would be the least bit phased by Mr. Reed’s questions. Questions like his aren’t merely typical — they’re expected.
These missionaries know that, to some, “They’re just Mormons, and everyone knows Mormons are weird … other. They’re less than us, so mocking or hurting them is fair game.”
Mr. Reed continues, comparing religions to fast food and board games. Wendy’s and Monopoly are, to him, symbols of the commercial, superficial nature of religion. Ironically, his own arguments fit that description to a T. Perhaps he realizes this, which is why this misogynistic, mansplaining murderer targets young women, letting the single male he interacts with go unmolested. That would make sense for someone like Mr. Reed, who despises women to the point of confining a dozen of them in his home. And it would make sense that talented people would know that.
And make no mistake, the people behind “Heretic” are all incredibly talented. The production values are top-notch, with stunning cinematography and a claustrophobic set design. Hugh Grant adds another compelling villain to his repertoire. Thatcher and East commit to their roles, and writer-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods command every frame with skill.
But therein lies the problem.
“I’ve only converted, like, eight or nine people.” – Sister Barnes, “Heretic”
I don’t mind that people like things I don’t. But I do mind when talented people take shortcuts that impact their work — inevitably for the worse. I mind lazy, convenient lies that reduce missionaries to caricatures. I mind that the movie drops Googleable terms like “Relief Society president” to show depth but ignores LDS Church culture so completely it suggests sister missionaries would would refer to “the Elder” who might show up to save them (when missionaries travel in pairs so any hope would be from “the Elders,” if at all), even though he’s almost 30 years too old to be a missionary in the first place.
So, obviously: I hated the movie, right?
But here’s another twist. I didn’t hate “Heretic.” I liked parts of it. I loved certain moments. I admired the craft and talent that went into it — which also made me sad, because these filmmakers are so talented. They could have done better if they’d aimed for the sky instead of punching below the belt.
I’ll keep following Grant’s career, because he really is great. I’ll look for whatever Beck and Woods do next. I’ll keep an eye on Thatcher and East, two impressive actors with, I hope, bright futures. Because, unlike Mr. Reed, when I disagree with someone, I don’t want to hurt them. I want them to succeed.
Maybe we’ll never sit in the same pew, but perhaps we could meet for a burger at Wendy’s, or laugh over a game of Monopoly while trying to “convert” one another to our best ideas of happiness.
And if they — or anyone in Hollywood — ever want to ask about the church, I’d be glad to chat. Heck, I’ll even bring the blueberry pie.
(Michaelbrent Collings) Michaelbrent Collings is an author and screenwriter.
Michaelbrent Collings is an international bestseller and screenwriter. Best known for horror , he’s also a multiple Bram Stoker Award and Dragon Award finalist, speaker and mental health advocate. Find him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or on his fan pages on social media.
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