A24’s latest film Heretic has generated significant buzz among movie enthusiasts and streaming audiences. Many viewers are eager to watch this anticipated release but face questions about where and when they can stream it. Understanding the various streaming options and release timeline will help ensure you don’t miss this notable A24 production.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about streaming Heretic. We’ll cover the theatrical release schedule, digital streaming platforms, Max subscription details, and essential viewing information. You’ll learn about rental options, pricing tiers, and what critics and audiences are saying about the film.
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Theatrical Release and Streaming Timeline
Following its successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, Heretic has commenced its theatrical journey with A24’s strategic release plan. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the film’s release timeline across different platforms.
Current theatrical exclusivity
The theatrical release of Heretic began on November 8, 2024, marking its exclusive run in cinemas across the United States. This follows the film’s earlier release in the United Kingdom and Ireland on November 1, 2024. Currently, theaters remain the only venue to experience this highly anticipated A24 production, with the exclusivity period expected to last approximately 48 days.
Expected PVOD release date
Following A24’s typical distribution pattern, Heretic is projected to arrive on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) platforms in December 2024. This timeline aligns with the studio’s standard 48-day window between theatrical and digital releases. The PVOD release will mark the first opportunity for home viewing, though specific dates are yet to be confirmed by A24.
Projected Max streaming debut
Thanks to the streaming agreement between A24 and Warner Bros. Discovery, Heretic will make its streaming service debut exclusively on Max. Based on recent A24 releases, the streaming timeline typically follows this pattern:
| Release Window | Timeline | Projected Date |
|---|---|---|
| Theatrical Release | Current | November 8, 2024 |
| PVOD Availability | ~48 days | December 2024 |
| Max Streaming | ~120 days | March 2025 |
This projection is supported by patterns observed with other recent A24 releases. For example, “Love Lies Bleeding” took 133 days to reach Max, while “Civil War” required 154 days. The streaming debut window can vary based on theatrical performance and other market factors, but viewers can expect Heretic to arrive on Max around March 14, 2025, allowing A24 to maximize its theatrical and PVOD windows before streaming availability.
The release strategy reflects A24’s commitment to traditional theatrical runs while acknowledging the growing importance of digital and streaming platforms. This phased approach ensures multiple viewing options for audiences while maintaining the studio’s distribution model.
Digital Streaming Options
When Heretic transitions from theaters to home viewing, digital platforms will offer multiple ways to experience A24’s latest release. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your streaming options.
PVOD platforms (Prime Video, AppleTV, VUDU)
Following its theatrical run, Heretic will debut on major Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) platforms. Viewers can access the film through:
- Prime Video
- AppleTV
- VUDU
These platforms typically release new titles on Tuesdays or Fridays, suggesting Heretic could arrive between December 6-10, 2024. Each platform offers identical viewing options, allowing viewers to choose their preferred service based on existing subscriptions or device compatibility.
Rental vs. purchase pricing
A24’s digital release strategy includes both rental and purchase options, with varying price points:
| Option | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Digital Purchase | USD 19.99 – 29.99 |
| Digital Rental | USD 14.99 – 24.99 |
The purchase option provides unlimited access to the film, while rentals offer a more economical choice for single viewings. Digital purchases include additional features such as:
- Permanent addition to your digital library
- Access across multiple devices
- No viewing time restrictions
- Bonus content (when available)
48-hour rental period
When choosing the rental option, viewers should note the specific viewing window restrictions. The rental terms include:
- 30 days to initiate viewing after purchase
- 48-hour window to complete viewing once started
- Multiple viewing sessions allowed within the 48-hour period
- Access across authorized devices during the rental period
This rental structure allows flexibility in starting the film while maintaining a reasonable window for completion. The 48-hour timeframe accommodates viewers who prefer to split their viewing across multiple sessions, though it’s important to plan accordingly to ensure complete viewing within the allocated time.
For optimal viewing experience, consider your schedule when timing your rental purchase. The two-day window begins immediately upon first play, regardless of how much of the film you watch in your initial session. This makes weekend rentals particularly popular, as they provide more flexible viewing opportunities within the time constraint.
Max Streaming Details
The streaming landscape for A24 productions has undergone a significant transformation with the studio’s new partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. This deal ensures that Heretic will find its streaming home exclusively on Max, marking a new era for A24’s digital distribution strategy.
A24’s streaming deal with Max
Following the expiration of A24’s previous agreement with Showtime in November 2023, the studio secured a groundbreaking multiyear, pay-1 output deal with HBO and Max. This comprehensive agreement encompasses both new theatrical releases and existing library content, bringing more than 100 A24 films to Max subscribers. The partnership represents a strategic move for both companies, with Max securing exclusive streaming rights to some of the most anticipated independent films of the year.
Key aspects of the streaming deal include:
- Exclusive streaming rights for new A24 theatrical releases
- Extended licensing for A24’s existing film library
- Distribution across HBO, Cinemax, and Max platforms
- Priority streaming window for all new releases
Subscription tiers and pricing
Max offers a three-tiered subscription model, each providing different levels of access and features:
| Subscription Tier | Monthly Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $9.99 | Standard streaming with advertisements |
| Ad-Free | $16.99 | Uninterrupted viewing experience |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $20.99 | Premium features including 4K streaming |
4K Ultra HD streaming option
The Ultimate Ad-Free tier at $20.99 per month provides the premium viewing experience for Heretic and other A24 content. This top-tier subscription includes:
Enhanced Viewing Features:
- 4K Ultra HD resolution streaming
- HDR (High Dynamic Range) support
- Enhanced audio quality
- Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
Based on A24’s typical release patterns, subscribers can expect Heretic to arrive on Max approximately 120 days after its theatrical debut. This streaming window has become standard for A24 releases, though the exact timing may vary depending on the film’s theatrical performance. The Max platform’s improved user experience, with its 4.8-star rating on the Apple Store and 4.7 on Google Play, ensures that viewers will have access to a reliable and high-quality streaming experience when Heretic becomes available.
The partnership between A24 and Max represents a significant upgrade in accessibility for fans of independent cinema. With Max’s substantial subscriber base of over 95.1 million combined users (including Discovery+), Heretic is positioned to reach a broader audience than would have been possible under previous streaming arrangements.
What to Know Before Watching
Before diving into A24’s psychological horror thriller Heretic, viewers should familiarize themselves with essential details about this thought-provoking film that blends religious discourse with psychological tension.
Plot synopsis and premise
Heretic presents a gripping narrative centered on two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, who encounter the enigmatic Mr. Reed during their routine door-to-door visits. What begins as a theological discussion transforms into a psychological battle of wits when they realize their host harbors sinister intentions. The film explores profound themes of faith, belief systems, and the nature of control, while maintaining a delicate balance between intellectual discourse and psychological horror.
The story unfolds primarily within Mr. Reed’s isolated house, where the seemingly cordial host gradually reveals his true nature through increasingly challenging theological debates and tests of faith. The film’s premise cleverly interweaves religious history, philosophical questions, and psychological manipulation, creating a unique viewing experience that transcends traditional horror conventions.
Cast and performances
The film features a remarkable trio of performances that bring this intense psychological drama to life:
| Actor | Role | Notable Performance Aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh Grant | Mr. Reed | Delivers a career-defining turn as the menacing antagonist |
| Sophie Thatcher | Sister Barnes | Brings depth and conviction to the role of the experienced missionary |
| Chloe East | Sister Paxton | Portrays the complex journey of faith and doubt with nuance |
Hugh Grant’s performance marks a significant departure from his typical romantic comedy roles, showcasing his versatility as he masterfully embodies the intellectual yet sinister Mr. Reed. The chemistry between Thatcher and East as the missionary duo provides the emotional anchor for the film’s exploration of faith and survival.
Critical reception and ratings
Heretic has garnered substantial critical acclaim, particularly for its intelligent approach to religious horror and outstanding performances. The film currently holds:
- 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 178 critic reviews)
- 72/100 score on Metacritic (from 49 critics)
- “Generally favorable” consensus from major review outlets
Critics particularly praise the film’s cerebral approach to horror, with the Toronto Star noting that while the third act may not quite reach the heights of classic predecessors, it excels as a showcase for Hugh Grant’s darker side. The Detroit News describes it as “a deliciously entertaining and thought-provoking theological debate wrapped up inside the clothing of a horror movie.”
Content warnings
Viewers should be aware that Heretic contains mature content and potentially disturbing elements:
Violence and Gore:
- Graphic throat-slashing scenes with blood
- Multiple stabbing incidents
- Scenes of physical torture and psychological manipulation
- Violent deaths including blunt force trauma
Thematic Elements:
- Intense psychological distress
- Religious questioning and criticism
- Discussions of death and mortality
- Challenging philosophical content
Additional Considerations:
- The film maintains a consistently tense atmosphere
- Contains mature discussions about faith and belief systems
- Features extended sequences of psychological manipulation
- Includes scenes of confinement and isolation
The film’s R rating reflects its mature content, making it suitable for adult audiences who appreciate psychological horror with intellectual depth. While Heretic emphasizes cerebral horror over jump scares, its combination of psychological tension and occasional graphic violence creates a viewing experience that may be intense for sensitive viewers.
Conclusion
A24’s Heretic stands as a compelling addition to the studio’s acclaimed catalog, offering viewers multiple ways to experience this thought-provoking psychological thriller. The film’s strategic release schedule, starting with its theatrical run in November 2024, followed by PVOD availability in December and Max streaming in March 2025, ensures audiences can choose their preferred viewing method. These varied options, combined with the film’s strong critical reception and Hugh Grant’s career-defining performance, make Heretic a significant cinematic event worth planning for.
The film’s mature themes, intelligent approach to religious horror, and outstanding production values demand careful consideration of viewing preferences and platform choices. Max subscribers will benefit from the ultimate ad-free tier’s 4K streaming capabilities, while PVOD platforms offer flexibility through rental and purchase options. Whether experienced in theaters or at home, Heretic exemplifies A24’s commitment to delivering sophisticated, challenging content that pushes creative boundaries while maintaining broad accessibility.
