In A24's latest horror offering ‘Heretic,' Hugh Grant's portrayal of the enigmatic Mr. Reed takes center stage in a tale of faith, control, and psychological terror. The film, which follows two Mormon missionaries trapped in Reed's house during what should have been a routine conversion visit, culminates in a gripping finale that could have played out quite differently.
The theatrical ending shows Mr. Reed meeting his demise after being stabbed and struck with a nail-studded plank, crawling toward Sister Paxton in his final moments to beg for prayer. However, Grant revealed to GamesRadar+ that he filmed an alternative version of this crucial scene, offering a startlingly different interpretation of his character's final moments.
In the unused alternate take, instead of showing fear and desperate need for comfort, Mr. Reed maintains his unsettling playfulness until the very end. Grant described this version as his character “trying to make the whole thing fun, as he's been trying to make the whole evening fun,” even as he faces death. This stands in stark contrast to the chosen ending, where Reed's carefully constructed facade crumbles, revealing a “frightened rabbit” beneath the controlling exterior.
The decision to go with the more vulnerable ending adds an extra layer of psychological complexity to the film. As Grant himself noted, it provides a powerful contrast to the character's hour-and-a-half of total control, finally showing the human weakness beneath the monstrous surface. This choice offers audiences a more nuanced conclusion, challenging viewers to contemplate the nature of faith, fear, and human vulnerability.
The decision to use the more vulnerable ending seems to be the stronger choice narratively. While the playful alternative might have maintained the film's unsettling tone, showing Mr. Reed's breakdown adds a deeper psychological dimension to the character and the overall story. It transforms him from a one-dimensional villain into a more complex figure, forcing viewers to confront the human aspects of even the most disturbing characters. This complexity aligns well with A24's reputation for sophisticated horror that prioritizes psychological depth over simple scares.
Which ending would you have preferred to see: Mr. Reed maintaining his unsettling playfulness until death, or showing his vulnerable, frightened final moments?
