Chloe East, known for her roles in The Fabelmans and HBO's Generation, brings her talent to Heretic, a new horror film featuring a fascinating mix of faith, suspense, and complex character dynamics. Partnered with the versatile Hugh Grant, East stars alongside Sophie Thatcher in this provocative thriller, which dives into themes of faith, morality, and personal conviction. After premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Heretic received positive buzz for its unique approach to religious horror, and East has been enthusiastic about the film's bold storytelling.
Chloe East's Initial Reaction to Heretic‘s Script
Chloe East shared that when she first encountered the premise for Heretic, a story centered on two Mormon missionaries encountering a sinister figure, she was skeptical. Concerned that it would veer into a “hate fest” against Mormonism, East felt pleasantly surprised as she read through the screenplay. “I went through the script and was like, oh, this is actually not about Mormonism. This is just a really good setup for this terrible circumstance and character dynamics,” she said. In Heretic, religion serves as a thematic tool, examining the tension between faith and fear, rather than delivering a critique on Mormonism itself.
Key Plot and Character Dynamics
Heretic follows two young missionaries, played by East and Thatcher, who find themselves in the home of a stranger, played by Hugh Grant. Initially welcoming and curious, Grant's character eventually reveals a darker, hidden agenda, adding psychological layers to what is already a suspense-driven narrative. The dialogue-heavy film offers more than just typical horror tropes, leaning on strong character interactions and moral dilemmas that elevate it beyond conventional scares. East's character, Sister Paxton, and Thatcher's character grapple with their beliefs as they navigate the increasingly menacing setting.
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the writer-director duo behind Heretic, bring their personal experiences with Mormonism to the script, adding a level of depth and authenticity to the characters. East, who wanted to portray her character thoughtfully, described the role as “in my bones,” hoping to represent Mormon missionaries with respect and authenticity.
The On-Set Dynamic and Working with Hugh Grant
As East explained, a horror film so focused on the intimate interactions of three main characters requires strong chemistry between the cast members. East and Thatcher met during auditions, but Grant only joined the pair when filming began in Vancouver. East confessed that, before meeting him, she found Grant intimidating, calling him “the most British Brit I've ever met in my life.” Breaking the ice with a compliment, she quickly learned that Grant shared the same excitement and apprehension about making the film, which helped establish a collaborative and open atmosphere on set.
“After that first encounter with him, I'm like, this is going to be great,” East recalled. “There's no superiority; he's here because he wants to make a good movie.” This level of mutual respect became a foundation for the intense scenes they shared, ultimately contributing to the film's authenticity and suspense.
TIFF Premiere and Audience Reception
Heretic premiered at TIFF in 2024, where it garnered praise for Grant's unexpected role and its unique take on horror. Chloe East enjoyed seeing audience reactions firsthand, mentioning that different audiences reacted to various scenes in unexpected ways. Notably, one of Grant's character's odd quirks, including a moment where he “meows” and another where he brings out a Monopoly board, drew laughs in some screenings, adding a hint of dark humor to the otherwise tense plot. “I always think it's funny when Hugh [his character] meows,” East remarked, highlighting the film's ability to balance dread with surprising moments of levity.
To build anticipation, the film's distributor A24 organized a one-night event at Alamo Drafthouse cinemas featuring an immersive, blueberry-scented experience—a nod to a memorable detail from the movie's plot. This inventive marketing approach gave fans a unique way to connect with the film's eerie ambiance before its wider release.
Chloe East's Career: A Year of Milestones
2024 has proven to be a defining year for Chloe East. Beyond Heretic, she will star in Netflix's upcoming drama No Good Deed in December and has completed filming Big Bold Beautiful Journey, directed by Kogonada, featuring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. She's also involved in At the Sea with Amy Adams, an upcoming project. Reflecting on her career trajectory, East noted that this year has felt like “everything [she's] been working towards, and on, has led up to this moment.”
East's path to acting began with dance; she originally aspired to be a ballerina but shifted to acting after booking her first role on True Blood at 11. From HBO's Generation to Spielberg's The Fabelmans, she's worked across genres, honing her craft and building a dynamic career. The shift from a dance background to a thriving acting career is something she's embraced, seeing each role as a part of her journey toward becoming a versatile artist.
Heretic not only allows Chloe East to demonstrate her acting skills but also explores themes that are relevant to the broader religious horror genre, making it a compelling addition to her filmography. Her chemistry with Hugh Grant and Sophie Thatcher has brought life to a plot that's equal parts psychological and philosophical, forcing audiences to consider the lines between belief, doubt, and fear.
As Heretic heads into mainstream theaters, East's performance and the film's layered story are likely to spark discussions among fans of the horror genre and beyond. With her future projects lined up and a year that's marked significant growth, Chloe East's star power continues to rise. Audiences will undoubtedly be watching her next moves.
Chloe East's performance in Heretic seems to stand out as both relatable and chilling. Her ability to balance her character's conviction with vulnerability makes the film's exploration of faith particularly intriguing. The choice to avoid overt criticism of Mormonism and instead focus on universal themes of belief and doubt is refreshing, steering the horror genre into thought-provoking territory. Hugh Grant's casting also feels like a clever twist, his unexpected role as a “sinister host” adding nuance and depth to the film.
Do you think horror films that explore religious themes have a unique impact on audiences? Why or why not?
