Co-directed and co-written by Scott Beck (Nightlight (2015); Haunt (2019); 65 (2023)) and Bryan Woods (Nightlight (2015); Haunt (2019); 65 (2023)) and starring Hugh Grant (Love Actually (2003); About a Boy (2002); Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994); Notting Hill (1999)), Chloe East (The Fabelmans (2022); The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020); Popular Theory (2023)) and Sophie Thatcher (MaXXXine (2024); The Bogeyman (2023); Yellowjackets (tv series, 2021-24)).
Horror/thriller; 110 mins; 16+
Two young missionaries, Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher), from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are calling door-to-door, following up on requests for further information who they suspect may be open to converting to Mormonism.
They call upon Mr Reed (Hugh Grant) who comes across initially as both an intellectual university professor and also someone with a slightly creepy disposition. As the conversation, with the use of various symbolism and analogies including board games - which are used to great effect - turns more into a discussion and a debate on religion and a one true god, the girls become increasingly uncomfortable.
When they try to leave, they discover that the door is locked and the atmosphere become more and more intense and they humour their captive and try to discover another way out. But he seems to be one or two steps ahead of them at all times, forcing them to play his game of cat-and-mouse, and subjecting them to psychological mind games in which he gets them to question their own faith.
The script is extremely well written, it give the three main actors wonderful material with which to work as the audience is brought on an emotional journey, both literally and figuratively, in the claustrophobic setting. Hugh Grant, standing out in particular, and also Chloe East, shine through the dark gloom of the interior of the house and its underground passageways as the protagonists use their minds to try and outwit their foes as the suspense rises...
Currently screening at Kinepolis.
