Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: THE HERETIKS [Fantastic Fest - Austin, Texas]

Balancing an aspect of tone with horror (that is almost day-glo) with a bit of humor and witchcraft based on a coven that needs to complete a human sacrifice to bring a new evil into the world is one of those mouthfuls that makes one think that too much (or not enough) thought was put into commercial prospects that don’t quite land. “The Heretiks” [World Premiere] initially follows Isabel (Ava Mae Seidensticker) and her sister Ada (Josie Juliette Wert) on a Halloween night where their parents seem to have disappeared (or were never there). But there also seems to be some weird witches following them around the neighborhood. We see in the prologue that they are up to some nefarious things. After what is supposed to be a set up for heartstrings that doesn’t quite go right, Ada returns with her boyfriend Ryan to the house. By that time, Isabel and her friend Wesley (Luke Speakman, the lead kid from "Weapons") has been saved by an errant witch who wants to save Isabel (who has been chosen for sacrifice). Kimberly Epstein plays Cai with a lack of empathy and deadpan delivery. The film can’t decide if it wants to be scary or campy or both making it quite uneven even when the actions of the characters are particularly brutal. Speakman’s character is never made clear as to why he is there since he seems like a friend and not a brother.

Again the parents are nowhere to be seen for anyone. Cai has an interesting relationship with one of her witches who plays it very innocent at times but is still ready to a lot a throat slitting and pull off skin at a moment's notice. But the gore is weirdly built here and is both inventive at times but not believable at all at others. That said some of the physical effects with jumping and vaulting are pretty good. But then you will have fight scenes where none of the stunt hits never seen like they connect at all. Now all that said there are some cool moment like when Ada starts to realize some things she can do. Seidensticker seems to having a lot of fun as the actor but it comes to a point where she is dropping out of character just to say "Let’s go get them!" or "Bad Ass!". It shows she is enthusiastic but it takes one out of the movie completely. The losses and sacrifices though fall short in the long run. But that said, the final showdown which takes place in the woods has a couple great effects, especially involving shadows and antlers (which doesn’t give anything away). But one effect is beautifully done because it is seamless. "The Heretiks" has some great moments especially towards the end but its character build and tone is pretty unbalanced, especially in the beginning where it doesn’t quite feel lived in. It is more like you know it is just people just making a horror film which can be meta but certain plot holes tend to undo it. Director Gregg Bishop tries and does do some particularly cool things at times with a limited budget but not enough to truly register. 72%/C-

By Tim Wassberg