As the box office braces for another round with the symbiotic anti-hero “Venom: The Last Dance,” a new challenger has emerged—one that promises to scare and stimulate in equal measure.
A24’s “Heretic,” the latest horror offering from the acclaimed indie studio, is poised to make a bold statement this weekend with its unique blend of unsettling scares and thought-provoking religious discourse. Targeting a debut of $8 million to $10 million from 3,200 theaters, the film is banking on strong word-of-mouth to carve out a sizable slice of the moviegoing audience.
Directed by the duo behind the breakout hit “A Quiet Place,” Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, “Heretic” follows two young Mormon missionaries, played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who stumble into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse after knocking on the door of a reclusive Englishman, Mr. Reed, portrayed with delightful menace by the ever-versatile Hugh Grant.
What begins as a routine recruitment effort quickly spirals into a battle of wits and faith as the charming yet diabolical Mr. Reed engages the missionaries in a series of theological discussions that challenge the very foundations of their beliefs. Critics have praised the film’s ability to seamlessly blend highbrow discourse with gruesome horror, creating a uniquely unsettling cinematic experience.
“‘Heretic’ is the rare movie that combines lots of squirting blood and elevated discussion of the ancient Egyptian god Horus,” writes one reviewer, hailing the film’s ability to tackle complex religious themes without sacrificing its entertainment value.
While “Venom 3” is expected to maintain a strong grip on the box office, with projections of $13 million to $15 million in its third weekend, industry insiders believe “Heretic” could pose a serious challenge. Hugh Grant in a decidedly non-rom-com role and the horror thriller’s strong critical reception have generated significant buzz among genre fans.
Lionsgate’s faith-based family film “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is also playing to the holiday-leaning audience, targeting a respectable $6 million to $8 million debut from 3,000 theaters. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”), the film centers on the mischievous Herdman siblings, who hijack the town’s annual Christmas pageant, only to discover the true meaning of the holiday.
With the domestic box office still trailing pre-pandemic levels, exhibitors are eagerly anticipating the arrival of these new releases to help revive moviegoing momentum. After a lackluster October, overall ticket sales are down more than 11% from 2023 and nearly 27% from 2019, according to Comscore.
The next few weeks promise to be a crucial test for the industry, with a slate of highly anticipated films, including Amazon’s “Red One,” starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, Paramount’s “Gladiator II,” and Disney’s “Moana 2,” set to hit theaters in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the focus will be on “Heretic” and its skill in balancing horror, humor, and high-brow discussion, providing moviegoers with a distinctive and unforgettable cinematic experience. One critic aptly stated, “Avoid distractions.” Keep your eyes on Hugh Grant and just, well, pray.”