Warning: this article contains spoilers for HereticIt’s safe to say that Hugh Grant is a household name, but he’s increasingly showing an underrated talent, as evidenced in his new horror film, Heretic. Grant’s breakout role came nearly four decades ago in the 1987 drama Mauritiuswhich caught the attention of filmmakers and the public. However, it was in his popular romantic comedies of the 1990s and 2000s that Hugh Grant truly established himself as a movie star.
Films like Four weddings and a funeral, Notting Hilland Bridget Jones Diary established Grant as one of the most charismatic leaders in the industry. However, after four decades as an actor, Hugh Grant has made a successful career move into a very different type of role. Your last film Hereticwhich holds a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, highlights her talent in a very different type of role than the one that established her career and keeps alive a three-film streak that began with a $227 million hit.
Hugh Grant has played a major villain in three films – and a TV show
Hugh Grant became a very believable antagonist
Going beyond her lovable romantic comedy persona, Hugh Grant became a fantastic cinematic villainwith several successful roles to show for it. Grant began this series of villainous roles with Paddington2in which his performance as Phoenix Buchanan was highly praised. Likewise, Grant’s performance in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves It was well regarded by critics. Even your role Wonka was slightly antagonistic at first. While these roles were familiar and allowed Grant to rely on his previous comedic abilities, they represent a distinct departure from his past as a charming leading man.
Hugh Grant’s role in the 2020 television series The Undo put the finishing touch to this career change, as he proved he could play the dramatic and morally gray role through Nicole Kidman as well as those more overtly comical villains. Those same dramatic edges and comedic skills elevate Grant’s performance in Heretic. In the film, Grant plays Mr. Reed, a recluse who creates a plan to arrest two Mormon missionaries. Many have noted the stark departure from his previous work, but the classic charms he used previously are only being applied in new and exciting ways.
Hugh Grant is quite disarming
However Heretic has nothing in common with films like Four weddings and a funeral or Notting HillGrant’s ability to play charming and comedic roles gives him an edge when playing darker roles. Hugh Grant uses his charisma to his advantagewhether in flirting or creating a trap. All the things audiences loved about Grant in his romantic comedy roles, like his slight clumsiness or his playful nature, make him the perfect, unassuming villain. This superficial charm can be stripped away to reveal a much more menacing character.
Grant uses some of the same acting mannerisms he first used in romantic comedies: his slight smile, his awkwardness, and even a throwback to his childhood. In Heretiche uses them for evil.
This is especially true in Hereticwhich depends on Mr. Reed’s ability to attract the two Mormon missionaries to his home. Mr. Reed wants to be friendly, charming and affable to carry out his plans in HereticIt’s a horrible ending. Additionally, Grant uses some of the same acting mannerisms he first used in romantic comedies: his slight smile, his awkwardness, and even a throwback to his childhood. In Heretiche uses them for evil.
Hugh Grant’s Villain Role Reveals a Sadder Truth About His Career
Romantic comedies aren’t as popular as they used to be
Romantic comedies are a big part of what audiences know Hugh Grant for. Unfortunately, the big studios just aren’t as interested in romantic comedies as they used to be. The mid-budget studio romantic comedies with which Grant established his fame have all but disappeared from the box office, giving the actor no real choice but to go in a different direction. While fans of Grant’s films can revisit many of them on streaming services, it’s disheartening that not many studio romantic comedies are being made.
However, several films in recent years, such as the rom-com Anyone but you and the raunchy comedy No hard feelingsshow that there may be a slight resurgence of the genre as audiences are still interested. Although audiences have come to love Hugh Grant in his charming romantic roles, even if the genre returns to popularity, there is no guarantee that he would want to resume these types of roles. Instead, given the clear success of their antagonistic roles (such as Mr. Reed’s role in Heretic), Grant must continue to explore villainous parts.