Religious horror films/ Heretic movie review/ faith in horror/ The Exorcist legacy/ horror and religion/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The new horror film Heretic explores the intersection of faith and fear, showcasing how religion’s existential questions and taboos lend themselves to the horror genre. Experts highlight the genre’s ability to critique societal norms and address themes like mortality, morality, and belief. From The Exorcist to The Conjuring, religious horror remains a popular and thought-provoking cinematic subgenre.
Holy Terror in Horror: Quick Looks
- New Release: Heretic combines religious skepticism and terror, starring Hugh Grant as a faith-challenging antagonist.
- Horror’s Appeal: Religion and horror share themes of mortality, morality, and confronting the unknown.
- Cultural Critique: Films like The Conjuring and Immaculate critique patriarchal control and societal fears.
- Faith and Fear: Religious rituals and symbolism heighten horror’s impact when handled with respect and authenticity.
- Legacy Films: Classics like The Exorcist and The Omen set the template for religious horror’s enduring popularity.
From ‘The Exorcist’ to ‘Heretic’: How Religion Shapes Horror Films
Deep Look
Religion and horror have long shared a symbiotic relationship, both grappling with profound questions about mortality, morality, and the nature of good and evil. The newly released film Heretic continues this tradition, pushing the boundaries of faith and fear through its chilling narrative.
Why Religion Fits Horror Perfectly
Religious themes naturally complement the horror genre, as both delve into existential questions about life, death, and the unknown. According to Stacey Abbott, a film professor at Northumbria University, horror provides a “rich canvas for social critique” while engaging audiences with deeply unsettling and thought-provoking narratives.
“Religion and horror both ask what it means to be human and how we confront mortality,” says Brandon Grafius, a Biblical studies professor and expert on the intersection of Christianity and horror.
The dualism central to Christianity—forces of good versus evil—provides fertile ground for cinematic storytelling, especially in the U.S., where such narratives resonate deeply.
The Legacy of Religious Horror
The genre has a rich history, with landmark films like The Exorcist and The Omen setting the stage for decades of religiously themed horror. These films blend supernatural elements with cultural taboos, offering both thrills and critiques of societal norms.
Recent hits like The Conjuring franchise and The Nun continue to explore demonic possession and exorcisms, while newer films like Immaculate address patriarchal control over women’s bodies.
“These films reflect ongoing cultural debates,” says Abbott. “They confront how religion is used to assert control, particularly in contexts of gender and power.”
Heretic: A New Chapter in Holy Horror
Heretic takes a bold approach, focusing on a diabolical skeptic played by Hugh Grant who traps missionaries in his home. What begins as a philosophical debate escalates into a gory, high-stakes battle of faith.
Grant, whose character challenges his captives’ beliefs, acknowledges parallels between his role and his own skepticism:
“I like to smash people’s idols—especially if they seem smug or pretentious,” he says.
When Horror and Faith Collide
Both religion and horror can unsettle audiences, says Jesuit priest Ryan Duns, who teaches a course on the theology of horror.
“Horror reveals our deepest fears and anxieties, while religion challenges us to live up to our moral and spiritual potential.”
However, Duns notes a key difference:
“In horror, defeating the monster never solves the problem—it just sets the stage for sequels. Religion offers hope and redemption, a way out of the darkness.”
Filmmakers like Ti West (MaXXXine) and Osgood Perkins (Longlegs) see religion as a natural source of inspiration, offering narratives rich in morality, ritual, and symbolism. Perkins notes:
“The Bible is full of imagery—beasts, horns, crowns—that’s incredibly cinematic.”
The Balance Between Authenticity and Entertainment
Religious horror is most effective when it treats its subject matter with respect. Accurate portrayals of rituals and symbols lend authenticity, enhancing the audience’s immersion.
“When movies are sloppy or overly sensational, the power of the symbols is lost,” Duns explains.
Lisa Morton, an award-winning horror author, agrees, citing The Exorcist as a prime example of respectful yet terrifying religious horror.
“The rituals feel real, which makes the horror all the more impactful,” she says.
Cultural Relevance and the Future of Religious Horror
As societal debates around gender, power, and faith evolve, religious horror continues to reflect and critique these tensions. Films like The First Omen and Immaculate highlight how the genre can engage with contemporary issues while delivering scares.
Whether through gory escapes like Heretic or nuanced critiques like The Conjuring, religious horror remains a powerful tool for exploring the human condition.
“It’s not just about fear,” Abbott concludes. “It’s about understanding ourselves and the world around us.”
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