Mr. Reed’s One True Religion in Heretic Explained

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Heretic.In 2024 HereticTwo young missionaries are trapped inside the house of Mr. Reed, a man with some obscure theories about religion and, in particular, is searching for his “one true religion.” Heretic It only debuted in early November, but has already received advanced praise. Rotten tomatoes shows that Heretic has a Certified Fresh 93% critics score and an audience score of 77%. Part of this success is certainly due to the film’s moving and thought-provoking story, but it can also be attributed to Heretic Incredible cast, including Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East.

Throughout the film, Mr. Reed raises a number of questions about religion and belief in general. He dismantles the concept of God using comparisons to Monopoly and music, and forces Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton to observe “a miracle” in a woman dying and coming back to life. However, the biggest mystery that emerges while watching Heretic it is what Mr. Reed believes to be the “one true religion.” He describes it as the most honest and original religion on which all other denominations are based. Eventually, Sister Paxton discovers the truth of her belief.

Control is Paxton’s answer to Mr. Reed’s only true religion in the heretic

How Paxton Discovers Mr. Reed’s Secret

Near the end of Hereticit is revealed that Reed believes control is the only true religion. Reed explains that all religion is based on controlling people, regardless of what the denomination’s beliefs are. So his own formula is to basically eliminate all rituals and mythology and simply place his victims in unavoidable situations to control them. That’s why his house is a maze and the electricity and doors are regulated by a timer. Reed doesn’t need to convince his victims of anything because he exerts a lot of physical control in them.

The moment Paxton finally discovers Reed’s true religion may be one of the scariest moments in the entire film. After finding a hidden door, Paxton is about to escape. She passes through a series of creepy chambers filled with religious memorabilia until she finally reaches the most horrific room of all. Inside, a group of women are being held in cages, ready to be used and discarded by Reed. Paxton realizes he is far from Reed’s first victimand his joy comes from controlling his victims to the highest degree.

Mr. Reed’s views on religion are why he values ​​control above all else

How the Heretic Fights Reed’s Claims

Reed’s One True Religion makes sense considering the ways in which Heretic characterizes it. Initially, Reed appears to be a curious and intelligent man, but later reveals himself to be a great critic. of religion. With just a few points about board games and ancient history, he matter-of-factly smashes the entire concept of God. It boils everything down to the idea of ​​control, completely destroying the most positive aspects of religious belief. Fortunately, that’s where Sister Barnes and, eventually, Sister Paxton come in.

During Heretic, Sister Barnes is Reed’s biggest critic. She pokes holes in his arguments by pointing out that his arguments are based on massive generalizations. Later, Paxton begins to follow in Barnes’ footsteps, noticing flaws in Reed’s logic and game play. This, more than anything, reveals Mr. Reed’s true nature. Although Reed explains his horrible behavior through religion, it’s clear that this is just an excuse for him to terrorize young women. About that, Paxton maintaining her belief in God allows her to survive. Reed dying on top of a praying Paxton emphasizes the power of his belief.

Control is essential to Mr. Reed’s plan and his downfall

What the heretic is trying to say about religion

Ironically, it is Reed’s one true religion that gives him the most power and also leads to his downfall. Reed creates this giant simulation, including its maze and its tricks, to keep its victims under its control. However, when Barnes and Paxton behave differently than expected, their plan begins to fail. This element of surprise leaves Reed desperately trying to regain control.which is exactly when Paxton unravels his tricks, starting with the prophetess woman who died and was “resurrected”. Heretic shows that control is never complete, as human nature and free will create subtle changes.

Ultimately, Reed’s ideas and Paxton’s unpacking of them are the core of Heretic message. Although Reed makes some interesting points about religion, his jaded viewpoint ultimately leads to his demise. While religion can be used to control people, it can also inspire individuals to continue to fight for themselves and others, much like Paxton does. At the end, Heretic offers some truly meaningful explorations of religion in the 21st century.