Filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods first became known from their script for 2018’s A Quiet Place, which director John Krasinski took on and turned into a hugely successful blockbuster franchise for Paramount Pictures. Since then, they’ve directed the Halloween-set horror film Haunt and last year’s 65, starring Adam Driver, but their new film, the religious thriller Heretic, may be their stronger effort to date as directors, even if on the surface, it seems much simpler than some of their other films.

In the movie, two Mormon missionaries, played by Chloe East (The Fabelmans) and Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), approach the home of the enigmatic Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, in order to talk to him about their religion. Instead, he challenges their faith and beliefs over the course of what turns into a terrifying night for the two young women.

Cinema Daily US spoke with Beck and Woods about making this religious thriller and their casting of Grant, East and Thatcher – the latter two both coming from a Mormon background themselves. We also asked the filmmakers if they had any interest in returning to A Quiet Place, possibly even directing a spin-off ala this year’s A Quiet Place: Day One. 

Heretic opens nationwide on Friday, November 8. Look for our interviews with the film’s two leads, East and Thatcher, later this week. 

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Screenwriters/Directors: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods

Cast: Hugh Grant, Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher, Topher Grace

Producer: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Julia Glausi, Jeanette Volturno

Production Co: Beck Woods, Shiny Penny

Distributor: A24

Rating: R (Some bloody violence)

Genre: Thriller

Language: English

Release Date (Theaters): November 8, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes

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You can watch the trailer  below: