Signal Horizon

See Beyond

Heretic Explained: Butterflies, Belief, and Being in Control

Heretic (2024), directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, delivers a harrowing exploration of faith, manipulation, and survival. Starring Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, and Hugh Grant in a chilling turn as the enigmatic and nihilistic Mr. Reed, the film blends psychological horror with spiritual inquiry. When the young missionaries knock on Mr. Reed’s door in a remote, desolate town, they find themselves ensnared in a nightmarish ordeal of physical and ideological captivity. The film transcends standard horror tropes, challenging viewers with layered symbolism, complex character dynamics, and a narrative that forces us to confront our deepest fears about faith, control, and the human condition. It is a challenge to not get lost in the maze of symbolism and themes as the movie plays not just with expectations but also with reality itself.

Faith and Doubt: The Central Dichotomy

At its core, Heretic explores the tension between faith and skepticism. The protagonists, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, embody both devout belief and the choice that many faithful hold. While Mr. Reed represents an atheistic cynicism that manages to indict capitalism (I see you Monopoly) and organized religion. This clash serves as the film’s driving force, prompting viewers to reflect on their own convictions. I am not a member of the LDS church and rather than writing about that experience I will leave it up to a number of members who have published fantastic deep dives into the role the church plays in the movie. However here are a few key areas to look into regarding faith and transformation.

  • Mr. Reed’s Monologues: Throughout the film, Reed articulates his disdain for organized religion, viewing it as a means of control. His arguments challenge the missionaries’ beliefs, symbolizing the external pressures that test personal faith.
  • The Dual Doors: Reed presents the missionaries with two doors labeled “Belief” and “Disbelief” both leading to the same dungeon. This illustrates the idea that faith and doubt are intertwined, and that questioning one’s beliefs is an integral part of spiritual growth or a slightly darker take, both are integral parts of controlling other people.
  • Sister Paxton’s Vision: After enduring traumatic events, Paxton perceives a butterfly landing on her hand—a manifestation of her earlier wish to be reincarnated as a butterfly. This moment signifies transformation, hope, and the ephemeral nature of life. The butterfly in Heretic serves as a multifaceted symbol of transformation, fragility, and fleeting beauty. For Sister Paxton, the butterfly represents a longing for freedom and rebirth, a stark contrast to the oppressive environment of her captivity. It ties into her earlier musings about reincarnation, offering a metaphorical escape from the rigid constraints of her faith and the physical horrors she endures.The butterfly’s delicate nature also underscores the precariousness of belief—how easily it can be crushed under the weight of doubt or manipulation. In the film’s final act, the butterfly becomes a beacon of hope and resilience, suggesting that even in the darkest moments, transformation is possible. Its brief appearance reminds viewers of life’s transience and the possibility of emerging stronger from trials, much like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. This potent imagery elevates the film’s emotional and thematic resonance, lingering long after the credits roll.
  • Monopoly Analogy: Reed uses the board game Monopoly to illustrate his view of religion as a repetitive and restrictive system, critiquing the cyclical nature of religious practices. The inherent link between capitalism and religion is well documented. We build churches not hotels, and tithe instead of rent but the rules are always the same and the movie plays that out. the intersection of religion and capitalism emerges as a potent metaphor, reflecting the commodification of belief and the transactional nature of modern faith systems. Mr. Reed’s scathing critique of organized religion positions it as a mechanism for control, drawing parallels to capitalist structures that prioritize profit and power over genuine connection or meaning. The film subtly critiques how religious institutions, much like corporations, can exploit faith as currency, trading salvation, purpose, or community for conformity and compliance.

Heretic Explained: Pain, Torture and the Inverted Resurrection

The film critiques the concept of resurrection, a cornerstone of many religious doctrines.

  • The Prophet’s Revival: Reed orchestrates a fake resurrection to undermine the missionaries’ faith, suggesting that such miracles can be fabricated. This act serves as a commentary on the potential manipulation inherent in religious narratives. It is not the first time we have seen false resurrection narratives in pop culture. In Heretic, the fake resurrection challenges the missionaries’ beliefs, mirroring real-world instances where fabricated miracles are used to manipulate followers. This motif prompts viewers to critically examine the authenticity of such events and the intentions behind them, emphasizing the importance of discernment in matters of faith.
  • By incorporating the fake resurrection trope, Heretic aligns with a broader cultural narrative that questions the veracity of miraculous claims and the ethical implications of using such deceptions to influence belief systems. This thematic exploration encourages audiences to reflect on the complexities of faith, the potential for exploitation, and the necessity of critical thinking in the face of extraordinary claims.
  • The subterranean setting where much of the film’s tension unfolds symbolizes the psychological and spiritual entrapment experienced by the characters.
  • Caged Women: Paxton’s discovery of imprisoned women represents the suppression and control exerted by dogmatic beliefs, as well as the literal dangers of blind faith.
  • Abrupt Silence: Moments of sudden silence, particularly during climactic scenes, underscore the isolation and introspection of the characters, emphasizing the internal nature of their struggles. Traditional scores permeate their movies (especially in horror).

Cages In Our Minds and Cages in the Cellar

Heretic (2024) stands as a bold and thought-provoking entry into modern horror, using its chilling narrative to interrogate the deeper questions of belief, manipulation, and personal agency. More than just a tale of terror, the film explores the delicate interplay between faith and doubt, making it a mirror for the audience’s own spiritual or existential struggles. Its nuanced portrayal of power dynamics, coupled with hauntingly symbolic imagery like butterflies and the dual doors, challenges viewers to question not only the nature of organized religion but also the ways we seek meaning and control in our lives.

In a cultural moment where belief systems—religious, political, or personal—are increasingly scrutinized, Heretic emerges as an important cinematic touchstone. By confronting uncomfortable truths and embracing ambiguity, it opens dialogue about the complexities of faith and the consequences of surrendering too much of ourselves to any singular doctrine.