The Heretics

Most Canadian horror movies are extremely predictable and are done in the genre of a typical teen scream of the US, no matter how the script is authored. I recently watched American Hangman (ironically a Canadian thriller / horror movie) with great anticipation and was disappointed by the predictable, moronic stupidity of the whole thing. This one is, I'll admit, pretty darn predictable in typical fashion however, it was done in a way that was fun to watch. I liken it to Tusk although it was absolutely nothing like it. Tusk was absurdly stupid but oddly, one cannot look away and it sticks in your craw afterward. You want to watch it again..and again. Just in case you missed something even though you know how it ends. If you like horror movies and you enjoy twists and turns, albeit rather extremely predictable yet the whole thing will stick with you afterward, definitely check this one out. The story line is one that has been done before, albeit to different conclusions but once past that aspect it was directed and produced in such a way that it's worth seeing.

This movie is pretty much a well worn tale, and low budget. There had been many movies with higher budgets, that with better marketing, were hugely profitable. If you are time constrained, yea, this is probably not a movie to see. However, it is not a bad watch, is okay, and beats quite a few higher rated flicks. This will not blow your mind by any means, but it entertains. Shrugs to the ppl complaining about acting, which is fine in an okay way.

"The Heretics" definetely has a lack of character's development (expect the lead gal's transformation) but the Black Fawn Films' scripts are better time after time. Jayme Laforest brought another good idea of phisical metamorphoses (his previous work titled "Bite" is one nasty love letter to Cronenberg), and Chad Archibald visualized it in his own way that already has an amount of fans.

Acting sometimes feels pretty poor but Nina Kiri is an awesome decision for the really hard part of Gloria, kidnapped-then-saved posttraumatic girl which worst fear is the cult to come back for her. When it actually happens and when she slowly loses her human form, Nina isn't confused to be scared, wicked and brutally deformed. Ry Barrett and Jorja Cadence are also well done but their characters could have a better prehistory as this is really wanted closer to the film's climax.

"The Heretics" is great at visual point but needs a better storytelling provider. Black Fawn Films shouldn't get stuck on Laforest's work as he isn't good in characters' disclosures. The movie has its few chilling moments but this isn't enough. Archibald already proved he can make a spellbinding puctures but let's hope his next work will put the detailed story on the first.

To be honest...I almost turned the movie off when it started off slow. But I told myself....wait...give it just a few more minutes, and I am glad I did!! When the movie got going, it did not disappoint with the creepiness and a few scares that made me jump. I like the surprising twists it gave causing me to sit on the edge trying to figure it out. I'm definitely going to watch again especially to see if I notice anything new.

Yeah, some of the acting in this film is certainly not going to win any awards, but it's really not that bad at all. I've seen much worse from A list actors (I'm looking at you everyone in Killing of a Sacred Deer). And honestly, for an indie movie, it's easily on par with many I've seen.

Visually the film is very good. There are some nice shots, solid practical effects, and good locations. The story isn't revolutionary but I did appreciate the few twists, even though the ending left a little to be desired.

Overall I've seen much worse and this one is worth a watch for horror junkies.