Hugh Grant is a sexy, charming murderer in 'Heretic'

It's always exciting to see an actor perform in something you never expected. One feels a special shock when one sees the British romantic icon Hugh Grant In Heretica new horror from written and Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Even wilder, Grant plays the film's villain, Mr. Reed, who seems to want to know more about it Mormon religion– fantastic news for Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who would like to convert him to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And while Grant is undoubtedly a villain, that's the most shocking part of it Heretic Aren't these the different twists (as great as they are). It's that Hugh Grant is incredibly sexy in this devilish twist.

(Warning: Some spoilers ahead.)

To be clear: I don't think being a murderer is sexy. A lot of the things that Grant's character does throughout Heretic are definitely and definitely not hot. I'm not here to support Reed's behavior in the film. However, what Grant does with this character is undeniable. What's remarkable about Grant's remarkably sexy work in his first horror film is that his performance style didn't deviate from the romantic style we've seen in countless romantic comedies like this one Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones' Diary, Two week notice period, and more. He's still the noticeably hot one (but not to hot), charming, effortlessly comfortable man we've come to know and love – he's just damn scary.

This level of familiarity with Grant is reflected in his costumes and the film's clever, detailed set design. Mr. Reed wears a cozy cardigan in warm, old-fashioned orange and blue tones and a gray button-down shirt underneath. Everything about Reed's image exudes a certain level of comfort: a warm, old, harmless man who would like nothing more than a cup of tea and a welcoming conversation. What's not to love? His sexy, thick gray hair (a little longer than usual) matches his shirt perfectly and his wide silver glasses add extra comfort.

His home feels like his cardigan turned into furniture, drenched in beige and brown tones. There is also a crocheted sign on the wall that reads “Bless This Mess.” And perhaps most importantly, the tantalizing promise of freshly baked blueberry pie. Damn, Reed drinks from a cup labeled “Hubby.” Reed and his living room exude an air of nostalgia and irresistible warmth, so you don't think twice when he tells the two sisters Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Paxton (Chloe East) that there is metal in his walls. Or the fact that the woman he mentioned, who will come to them with cake at any moment, will certainly be a long time coming.

Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods play brilliantly with expectations. We know it's a horror movie and that's why things are about to get crazy. But how much out of control things are remains unclear (it turns out: pretty out of control!). The same goes for Grant's performance. He exudes confidence and gentleness with a serious sense of curiosity that immediately charms the sisters and makes them want to come to his house (they are only allowed to enter the house when a woman is present, and although they do not see Reed's wife, his reassurance that she is home works for her).

Have lots of fun with it Heretic waiting for Grant to transform into an absolute menace, revealing unimaginable evil beneath his sexy charm. And although it becomes clear at the end that Reed is vile and unquestionably evil, this theoretical transformation never occurs. That's exactly what makes his work here so special and disturbingly hot. The charm never wears off, even when he commits absolute evil. He never stops acting gentle, even if everything he does is anything but. Supposedly, this character is almost identical to what we have seen in his famous romantic comedies, as he romanced some of Hollywood's biggest stars. And Grant's performance is absolutely enticing.

Reed has a determination that is both creepy and erotic, an aura of mystery that never really relents. Even at his most demonic, he is still remarkably polite, controlled, and even has his lovely British accent. That's not to say that Grant isn't frightening in the film – at times he's downright frightening – but not straying too far from his familiar romantic persona is a brilliant decision that sticks Heretic captivating and Grant inappropriately attractive. It can be all too easy to fall for the dark side, but Grant's deliciously familiar yet twisted portrayal makes it exhilarating.