Heretic, an A24 horror film, offers a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons), marking a significant departure from the typical stereotypes seen in both mainstream cinema and Mormon-specific media. Historically, LDS individuals have been depicted in overly simplistic or negative ways—either as naive, idealized figures (see the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon) or as dangerous, oppressive characters (Murder Among the Mormons, Under the Banner of Heaven, etc). This binary representation fails to capture the complexity of real Latter-day Saints, who are often ordinary individuals navigating their personal faith and struggles.

The film challenges these stereotypes by offering more layered characters and a compelling exploration of Mormon identity. Central to this is the relationship between two female missionaries: Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton. Sister Barnes embodies the stereotypical LDS character—saccharine, obedient, and naive, with a simplistic, uncritical adherence to her faith. In contrast, Sister Paxton, a convert to the religion, is depicted as thoughtful and introspective. She wrestles with doubt and engages critically with her beliefs, offering a more complex portrayal of faith that resonates with many Latter-day Saints who balance questioning and commitment.

However, the film takes an unexpected turn halfway through, subverting audience expectations. This turn forces Sister Paxton to confront her own doubts and navigate her faith independently, resulting in a personal transformation. This plot twist challenges the initial portrayal of Sister Paxton as naive and incapable, revealing deeper layers of complexity as she grapples with the tension between faith and doubt.

Through this shift, Heretic explores the non-linear and unpredictable journey of faith, showing that belief is not a straightforward path, even for devout Mormons.

The film also explores the theme of faith in the face of uncertainty—a core concept in LDS theology. Latter-day Saint doctrine teaches that faith requires individuals to navigate paradoxes, such as the tension between reason and religion, or mercy and justice. Heretic portrays this through the dynamic between Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes, whose differing approaches to faith mirror the internal struggles many Latter-day Saints face as they reconcile doubts with their religious practices, and physical realities with spiritual pursuits.

A key scene early in the film highlights this internal conflict. Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes awkwardly discuss pornography, a taboo subject within Mormons culture. This uncomfortable conversation exposes the complexities of navigating faith in a community that often stigmatizes difficult topics. Sister Paxton’s hesitation to engage openly with the discussion signals her internal struggle with the contradictions between personal experience and religious expectations. This scene sets the stage for her eventual growth, as she learns to confront difficult issues more honestly and independently.

The film’s portrayal of faith is not binary, as it challenges the assumption that belief is simply a choice between certainty and doubt. Instead, Heretic emphasizes the ongoing, complex nature of faith—a process of growth, reflection, and, in Mormon terms, "repentance." This ambiguity about whether the miraculous events in the film are divine interventions or human effort mirrors the experiences of many Latter-day Saints, whose faith is often shaped by a combination of divine inspiration and personal perseverance.

The conclusion of the film leaves the audience with the same question many Mormons face: how to act in faith when the answers are unclear.

One particularly striking moment in the film is when Sister Paxton must make a critical decision with her back literally against a wall. This visual metaphor evokes the teaching of the Mormon prophet Ezra Taft Benson, who stated, "Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand." This moment encapsulates the essence of LDS belief, where individuals are often forced to confront their doubts and reaffirm their commitment in moments of crisis.

Ultimately, Heretic succeeds in offering a multi-dimensional portrayal of LDS faith and identity. The film breaks free from reductive representations, presenting characters who reflect the messy, imperfect nature of belief. It interrogates the tension between blind adherence and thoughtful faith, and explores how individuals navigate this spectrum of religious experience. This is applicable to Mormons and non-Mormons alike. By focusing on the personal growth of its characters, particularly Sister Paxton, the film provides a more empathetic and realistic portrayal of Mormonism, making it a significant contribution to the portrayal of Mormon individuals in modern cinema.

Heretic was written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The film stars Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East. Heretic is now available for rent or purchase online.