[Swaps] creepy humour of its opening scenes for unconvincing Grand Guignol and subordinates dramatic logic to a set of plot gimmicks whose blatant shamelessness is ultimately unforgivable, whether for an audience or some hovering higher power.

This is a well-acted movie all round, but primarily a vehicle for Grant -- who has played his share of comic villains, but has rarely been asked to be seriously scary.

It's a reminder, particularly in the horror genre, that a good idea and a single location can be a really adventurous roller coaster ride.

Even if it falters toward the finish line, ‘Heretic’ is an intellectual, psychological, and theological cat-and-mouse game that’s as witty as it is wily.