A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods won’t unleash their newest nightmare, the religious horror film Heretic, until November 8th, but the dynamic duo is already considering ideas for a sequel. In anticipation of the horror flick, Beck and Woods discussed a mutual desire to expand on the themes introduced in Heretic, with some of their ideas taking them away from the movie’s heavy religious undertones and into the realm of spirituality.
While nothing has been set in stone, considering Heretic is still awaiting a theatrical release, Beck and Woods seem to have no shortage of inspiration for their third, fourth, or even fifth project. Speaking with Screen Rant, the filmmaking pair teased a wide variety of ideas that could follow in the footsteps of Heretic‘s expected success — or may veer off into a brand-new genre. “There are five different ideas that we’re kind of pushing forward right now,” Beck explained, “that range from a giant science fiction movie that is to us like the best concept that we’ve ever dreamt up, ranging to something that’s a spiritual sequel to Heretic, where it takes maybe a topic that isn’t always discussed in genre the same way that we’re doing in Heretic and expanding upon that.” Woods added:
It’s a question of which one we’re going to do next. It’s tough. It’s a tough choice.
While the prospect of another science fiction blockbuster certainly sounds intriguing, part of the decision-making process for Beck and Woods may have something to do with how Heretic performs in theaters. The newest release from A24 has already earned solid reviews from critics, with Hugh Grant’s performance receiving especially significant praise. And although Beck and Woods have previously confessed their dislike for traditional sequels, the idea of a spiritual spin on Heretic‘s more traditionally religious themes would certainly ensure originality if they choose to pursue that route.
Heretic May Spark a New Niche Horror Sub-genre
Masterfully combining religious iconography with paranormal intrigue, Heretic follows two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Yellowjackets‘ Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Popular Theory‘s Chloe East), on a fruitless odyssey to share their faith. When attempting to convert the reclusive Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), the sisters inadvertently become entangled in a snare of supernatural encounters, transforming a routine encounter into a deadly, nightmarish chase.
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With a plot that draws from elements of the Mormon faith and lifestyle, Heretic subverts the traditional Catholic aesthetic of demons, the occult, or exorcisms featured in most religious horror films. An already unconventional sub-genre, the decision to highlight a less-popular faith sets Heretic apart — which bodes well for a potential sequel, where drawing from spirituality instead of religion could open the door to a wide range of topics that have rarely, if ever, appeared in mainstream horror films. For example, spirituality might encompass themes from Buddhism, Jewish mysticism, or even New Age spirituality, which has exploded in popularity over the last fifty years. And even if Beck and Woods do continue to depict religious horror, it’s clear from Heretic‘s unconventional plot and setting that they’ll be able to do so in a refreshingly innovative way.
Two young women of faith are drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse after seeking refuge in the house of a mysterious and unsettling man. As they navigate a labyrinth of psychological and supernatural horrors, their beliefs and survival instincts are pushed to the limit.