Heretic’s promotional material may have focused on blueberry pie and Hugh Grant’s creepy character, but for Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the inspiration behind the film was actually Jodie Foster. The co-writers and directors of the film drew inspiration from movies like Contact and Inherit the Wind to delve into a conversation about religion in a unique way. They wanted to create a movie that explored the complexities of faith and belief in a popcorn movie context, much like the films that inspired them.
In Heretic, Grant plays a creepy man who traps two Mormon missionaries in his house and forces them to play a game that delves into the meaning of religion. The film aims to provoke thought and conversation about the nature of belief and the unknown, while also delivering a thrilling and sinister story.
Beck and Woods were influenced by movies like Contact for their exploration of religion in Heretic. They wanted to create a film that captured the complexity and depth of religious beliefs, while also providing a gripping and entertaining experience for audiences. Through their personal experiences and research, they crafted a story that delves into the fear of uncertainty and the different perspectives on faith.
As they navigated the writing process, Beck and Woods approached the subject matter with empathy and a desire to understand different points of view. They drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including books, holy texts, and personal experiences, to create a nuanced and thought-provoking story that reflects the complexity of belief systems.
Despite the challenging nature of the subject matter, Beck and Woods approached the writing process with a sense of openness and curiosity. They embraced different perspectives and sought to create a film that would spark conversations and provoke thought about the nature of faith and belief. Through their collaboration and shared outlook on life, they were able to navigate the complexities of the subject matter and create a film that provides a unique and engaging exploration of religion.