Jennie Kermode makes magic


With a script that crackles with energy and some truly exceptional casting, The Heretiks delivers a thrilling, small film with genuinely big stakes. It arrived at Fantastic Fest as a natural crowd-pleaser, offering audiences a dose of high-energy fantasy that is impossible to ignore.

The story centers on a young woman who finds herself entangled with a coven of witches, facing a terrifying prospect: a potential sacrifice that could bring about the end of the world. But what makes The Heretiks so captivating is not just the apocalyptic threat, but the complex dynamics unfolding between the characters. Fortunately for our heroine, she discovers that not all the witches are united in their ambitions, and in this perilous situation, an unexpected ally emerges to aid her.

Behind the dazzling spectacle, the production process itself reflected the film’s dynamic nature. Director Gregg Bishop and the team managed a surprisingly quick turnaround, shooting the film back in March. This rapid pace meant that the crew relied heavily on instinct and quick thinking to bring the vision to life, resulting in a film brimming with raw, immediate energy. It is this sense of spontaneous creation that contributes significantly to the film’s infectious atmosphere and undeniable impact.

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