Heretic Has A Strangely Similar Ending To Sophie Thatcher’s $82 Million Horror Movie From 2023

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Heretic

Sophie Thatcher is swiftly becoming a standout name in the horror genre, bringing intensity and charisma to roles that showcase her acting chops in suspenseful situations, which was fully displayed in her recent film Heretic. Heretic seemed poised to deliver a fresh horror experience. However, fans who saw her previous performance in The Boogeyman (2023) might just experience a distinct sense of déjà vu, as the two films share more than just their genre. Both movies, crafted by the same production team, feature climactic endings with nearly identical elements—making Heretic feel less original than many expected.

The fact that Heretic’s intense ending feels so similar to The Boogeyman’s climactic scenes has raised questions among fans and critics about the creativity of the production team. Audiences expect unique experiences with each film, especially when the star and creators return to the same genre with back-to-back projects. Unfortunately, Heretic’s reliance on the same plot mechanics as The Boogeyman weakens its intended impact, especially since both films conceptually share their most intense scenes almost beat-for-beat.

Heretic & The Boogeyman Both Have Endings Where Sophie Thatcher Fights The Villain In A Basement

Both Films Feature A Climactic Basement Battle

Heretic and The Boogeyman may seem different in premise, but the eerie similarities in how both films conclude are hard to overlook. In both movies, Sophie Thatcher’s character finds herself in an intense battle against a terrifying villain, and notably, these scenes occur in the basement. While the basement setting has long been a staple of the horror genre—a dark, enclosed space perfect for inducing fear—it’s rare to see two movies with the same actor using the exact same setup for a climactic showdown. For fans watching Heretic after The Boogeyman, this setting feels overtly repetitive.

In The Boogeyman, Thatcher’s character, Sadie, heads to the basement for a final confrontation with the supernatural monster terrorizing her family. The basement setting amplifies the sense of danger and isolation, making it a classic horror scenario. When Heretic also places Thatcher’s character in a basement for its climactic scene, the recycled setting and scenario begin to diminish the uniqueness of the experience.

Instead of serving as an ominous, unique setting, Heretic‘s basement becomes a reminder of the previous film and distracts from the suspense of the new story. Given that the same team produced the two films, the choice to repeat such a critical setup feels distinctly unimaginative. While The Boogeyman was created by Stephen King as a short story, Heretic was not, and does not quite have an excuse to copy a previous project. This decision made Heretic‘s finale feel somewhat underwhelming.

Heretic & The Boogeyman’s Endings Both Give The Main Character Help From A “Dead” Ally

A Poor Trope Used Twice

Beyond the basement setting, t he endings of both films feature supernatural assistance from a figure thought to be dead. In Heretic, Thatcher’s character somehow is revived, saving Sister Paxton, the film’s other protagonist, during the climactic battle right before she dies. This mysterious resurrection gives Paxton an edge in her struggle against the villain, adding an element of suspense as well as an emotional connection that makes the fight feel more intense. For fans, this moment should be a gripping surprise, but its impact is dulled by the fact that a very similar plot device was used in The Boogeyman.

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In The Boogeyman, Thatcher’s character receives help from the spirit of her deceased mother during her final confrontation with the monster. This scene provided a memorable and poignant emotional resonance, as Sadie’s mother had passed away, yet her presence lingered to give Sadie the strength she needed. The lighter flame, ignited by her mother’s presence, added a sense of closure and comfort amidst the terror.

This scene also served as both a climactic and cathartic moment for Sadie’s character, symbolizing the powerful, lasting impact of maternal love. This emotional device added depth to the horror, blending fear with the bittersweet nature of personal loss. However, when a similar device is used again in Heretic, it detracts from the originality and weight of the scene, as viewers may feel they’re watching a rehash of the same emotional beat.

Heretic’s The Boogeyman Similarities Hurt The Movie

Déjà Vu Strikes Hard With Heretic

Given that Heretic and The Boogeyman were made by the same production team, it’s perplexing why these films weren’t differentiated more in their final acts. Horror thrives on originality and the element of surprise, with each twist meant to pull audiences deeper into the suspense, especially with Hugh Grant’s Mr. Reed’s bizarre plans. By revisiting the same plot structure—right down to the supernatural assistance and basement battle—the team behind Heretic made the film feel like it’s treading old ground rather than offering something fresh and engaging.

Fans invest in horror for the thrill of the unknown, and reusing the same climactic elements risks diminishing the fear factor. The setting, which could have been a unique, atmospheric element, instead feels borrowed from Thatcher’s previous role. Instead of heightening suspense, the repeated elements create a sense of predictability that works against the horror experience. While both films are great, Heretic should not have utilized the same set piece as the film prior.

Director

Scott Beck , Bryan Woods

Release Date

November 8, 2024

Character(s)

Mr. Reed , Sister Barnes , Sister Paxton , Elder Kennedy , Prophet

Runtime

110 Minutes