Hugh Grant's chilling performance in Heretic was inspired by this real cult leader

Heretic is a candidate for horror movie of the year. 2024 has been an excellent year for the genre, but Heretic, with its slow burn atmosphere and clever twists, manages to stand out from the rest. It helps, of course, that the film boasts an uncharacteristically terrifying turn from Hugh Grant.

The rom-com legend utilized his charisma and twisted it into one of his finest performances of his career. There's definitely remnants of the typical Hugh Grant in the character of Mr. Reed, but there is another crucial element at play in the film, and that is the influence of real cult leader Keith Raniere.

Grant took inspiration from NXIVM leader Keith Raniere

Heretic directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods spoke with Slash Film about the creation of the Mr. Reed character, and they admitted that the NXIVM cult leader was the chief inspiration behind the film's antagonist:

"We talked a lot about Keith Raniere of the NXIVM cult, and how he was able to use this almost odd charm [and] this ability to listen, to get people to do what he wants."

The Raniere influence is particularly interesting, given his proximity to so many notable Hollywood talents. The NXIVM cult doesn't date back decades, it was only broken up in 2019, when Raniere and his associates were arrested.

Raniere's cult had legitimate Hollywood ties

The cult featured, among others, notable Hollywood actors like Allison Mack, Sarah Edmondson, Bonnie Piesse, and Catherine Oxenberg. All of these people were reputed names within the film and TV industry when they weren't partaking in criminal activity at Raniere's request.

Raniere, who bears a passing resemblance to Mr. Hall, with his greying hair and glasses, is currently serving a 125 year prison sentence. He was also slapped with a $1.75 million fine, according to the Department of Justice.

If you are familiar with the NXIVM cult and Raniere, in particular, then his influence will be a fascinating thread to pick up on while watching Heretic. If you don't know who Raniere is, then we suggest you check out the film anyway!