10 Awesome Recent Horror Movies You'll Never Watch Again

10. Heretic (2024)

A24 has spent the last decade and a half positioning itself as the go-to brand for indie horror, putting its weight behind unusual productions and up-and-coming talent (making big names of Ari Aster, Ti West and others in the process). This trust-based relationship with audiences means that, even when they produce and promote a film by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, directors of found footage flop Nightlight and Adam Driver sci-fi snore 65, you pay attention.

The film in question is last year's Heretic, in which Hugh Grant (of all people) stars as sinister, nihilistic scholar Mr Reed, who traps two young Mormons - Sisters Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Paxton (Chloe East) in his labyrinthine home. To escape with their lives and liberty, all the girls have to do is pass his trials, which purport to show them the path to the one true religion, and break their faith in the process.

The film is a thrilling ride, with a first half that's as tense as a suspension bridge, constantly shifting and repositioning our understanding of reality, Mr Reed's motives, and the nature of belief. However, once the conclusion strikes and the ultimate answer to the question of religion is revealed, the game isn't half as fun. Heretic is great for one watch, but not a candidate for repeat viewing from the enlightened viewer.