Watch Heretiks

A group of young women accused of witchcraft are confined to a remote convent in the 17th century in England. The film, directed by Paul Hyett and starring Michael Ironside and Clare Higgins, is a horror movie that explores the darker themes of religious persecution and misogyny. The plot revolves around the character of Persephone (Hannah Arterton), a young woman who is falsely accused of witchcraft and sent to the convent. She finds herself surrounded by other women who are also accused for various reasons - some for being healers, others for being outspoken or simply for being different. The convent, run by the sadistic Reverend Mother (Clare Higgins) is a place of fear and oppression, where the women are subjected to brutal treatment and torture.

The arrival of a young priest, Father Remy (Dilane Malafronte), who is sent to investigate the claims of witchcraft, brings a glimmer of hope to the women. Remy is sympathetic to their plight and tries to help them, but he is faced with resistance from the more powerful members of the church hierarchy, represented by Michael Ironside's character, the Bishop.

As the story progresses, the women begin to realize that their real enemy is not the devil or the supernatural, but the men who seek to control them through religion and superstition. They form a bond that transcends their differences and fight back against their oppressors. Their struggle is both physical and psychological, as they are forced to confront their own fears and doubts in order to resist the forces that seek to destroy them.

One of the standout performances in the movie is Clare Higgins as the Reverend Mother. Her character is complex and multifaceted, combining elements of cruelty, vulnerability and fanaticism. Higgins delivers a powerful and nuanced performance that anchors the film and gives it an emotional weight.

Another notable aspect of the movie is the production design, which transports the audience to the barren and cold landscape of 17th century England. The convent is a stark and oppressive setting, with dark corners and hidden passages that add to the sense of foreboding and unease. The costumes and makeup also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the film, conveying the dirt and grime of the time period.

The direction by Paul Hyett is assured and deft, using camera movements and lighting to create tension and suspense. The pacing is slow at times, but this is deliberate to allow the characters and the story to develop. The score by Bat For Lashes also adds to the mood of the film, with its haunting melodies and eerie instrumentation.

Overall, Heretiks is a well-crafted horror movie that explores serious themes of gender, power and oppression. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the atmosphere is suitably creepy and unsettling. It is a film that will appeal to fans of historical horror, as well as those who enjoy thought-provoking and nuanced storytelling.