Something amazing is happening in the world of television right now: TV heartthrobs from the past are once again surprising us with their magnetic charisma and charisma, making the hearts of many millennials who love Seth Cohen and Pacey Witt swell . However, while millennials are enjoying this unexpected (but very welcome) help from Adam Brody, not every Hollywood golden boy is interested in charming us. In fact, one actor is going to great lengths to make fans do the exact opposite. Of course, I’m referring to former romantic comedy king Hugh Grant, who will star in A24’s upcoming horror film paganscheduled to be released on November 8, 2024.
Throughout much of the ’90s and early years, Grant built up a pretty impressive resume for himself, serving as the romantic leading man in a number of iconic films, including four weddings and a funeral, notting hill, true love, Bridget Jones’s Diaryand two weeks noticeto name just a few. Grant has managed to captivate men and women on screen for decades thanks to his British accent, his overall appeal and the sweet vulnerability he brought to every role. That’s all about to change, though, as the former rom-com poster boy is gearing up to become an outright villain in a way that may stop people from looking at him the same way again. It’s a bold career move, but one that I think only Grant could pull off right.
The film centers on two Mormon missionary girls who get much more than they bargained for when Grant’s character invites them to his home under the guise of wanting to know more about what they have to say. However, they soon realize that this man (and his house) is much more sinister than they initially seem. But what’s really interesting is that Grant is still able to channel his legendary charisma into the role, only this time, it’s not for romance, but for pure evil.
As the trailer shows, Grant initially comes across as an older man, but still very mild-mannered and non-threatening. However, beneath this sweet exterior lies something much darker, which makes the character all the more terrifying. Grant doesn’t come off as all that threatening at first – to the point where you can almost forgive the girls for willingly entering a stranger’s house. (almost.) After all, some of the biggest threats hide behind cute masks. There are evil people who let you know who they are from the get-go, but it’s the ones you never suspected that really shake you to your core. People liked Grant’s character.
Even after the girls realize the unfortunate predicament they’re in, Grant does an excellent job of keeping the character’s demeanor eerily calm, almost comforting. “If you want to leave, I won’t keep you, but I want you to choose which door to take based on your beliefs.” Grant tells the girls coldly in the trailer, speaking casually, as if he is explaining the weather rather than Explain the weather. “It will make your heart beat faster. It may even make you want to die. Don’t be afraid. You will witness miracles. But will they escape? That remains to be seen.
I never thought Grant would fall into this category – however, now that I’ve had a taste of what his acting skills can do in a role like this, I might just fall head over heels in love with him all over again.
