Heretic isn't based on a true story but it is getting some real backlash

Hugh Grant is currently menacing missionaries and audiences nationwide in the positively reviewed A24 horror movie Heretic, a film that has some viewers wondering if it shares any plot points with real life.

Yes, Mormon missionaries, as played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East in the film, are real and they're part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which is an actual religious organization. However, Heretic might have true-to-life elements, but it is not based on a true story. It's entirely fictional, as are the characters involved.

That said, because of the film's portrayal of Mormonism and its criticism of religion, Heretic has received backlash from some religious groups, notably from the Church itself.

In a statement released to Desert News, a Salt Lake City-based organization, spokesman Doug Andersen wanted to ensure audiences know that the film and its depictions are "a work of fiction" and "not based on actual events."

The statement goes on to clarify that the church doesn't condone the film's narrative, which sees Grant's manipulative character, Mr. Reed, perpetrate violence against Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton.

"Any narrative that promotes violence against women because of their faith or undermines the contributions of volunteers runs counter to the safety and wellbeing of our communities."

- Doug Andersen

The surprising inspiration behind Mr. Reed

Even though Heretic is a fictional story, filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods derived inspiration for the enigmatic Mr. Reed from a rather surprising source. In conversation with Inverse, the duo revealed that they thought he was kind of similar to Nathan Fielder, specifically in his HBO docu-comedy series The Rehearsal. They also said that Grant collaborated with them at length to flesh out the character and ensure he understood all of the concepts and talking points mentioned in the script.

Another interesting tidbit pertains to the film's other two leads, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who play the missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton. In that same Inverse piece, it's revealed that both actresses were raised in Mormon families. East still has some friends that are part of the religion and contrary to what the Church might feel, she "saw the movie as a chance to set the record straight on the religion."

As for Thatcher, she felt that Heretic would offer a chance to reconnect with her past and allow her an opportunity to talk to her family about their faith. She says, "It was interesting to come back full circle."

Beck says that he and Woods were unaware that Thatcher and East were previously involved in Mormonism but calls the casting "serendipitous" and believes it's the reason behind "the truthfulness they brought to the casting process."