SALT LAKE CITY—In a well-precedented move, top leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened an emergency meeting this week following the release of the controversial new horror film “Heretic.” The film, which critically examines and deconstructs religious faith, has left church officials in a state of unease, prompting concerns that their closely guarded strategies may have been exposed.
“We were shocked to see our proprietary methods depicted so accurately on screen,” said Elder Mark E. “Marky Mark” Peterson, visibly distressed. “It’s as if someone got hold of our internal manuals and handed them over to Hollywood.”
[The film is] probably a lot like my personal missionary experiences, but I can’t be sure because my subconscious is blocking those memories in order to protect me.
Former member and missionary Jessica Larson of Orem, UT
The film follows the story of two Mormon sister missionaries who encounter a sinister figure, portrayed by Hugh Grant, leading them into a psychological labyrinth that challenges their beliefs. Insiders say the depiction of techniques resembling those used in religious indoctrination hit uncomfortably close to home for church leadership.
“We have always maintained that our methods are divinely inspired and unique to our organization,” stated President Russell M. Nelson. “The idea that they could be laid bare for public consumption is deeply troubling.”
In response to the film’s release, the church has launched an internal investigation to determine if there was a breach of confidentiality. “We are interviewing all personnel with access to sensitive materials,” confirmed church spokesperson Sister Linda Hayes. “Rest assured, we will get to the bottom of this.”
The film’s accuracy put defamation and libel off the legal table, confounding church lawyers. Leaked documents show that LDS leaders are still considering what legal recourse they have, with ‘loitering’ high on the list since the film seems to linger in the minds of those who watch it.
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Meanwhile, the film has garnered a mixed response from the Mormon community. Some members have expressed outrage, calling for boycotts and labeling the movie as anti-religious propaganda, while other members feel like they “debunked the entire movie” based on the depiction of a sister missionary using contraception. Others, particularly those who have left the church, have praised the film for its accurate portrayal of missionary life and the psychological struggles related to faith and doubt.
“Watching ‘Heretic’ was like seeing my own recurring nightmares about being back in the missionary field,” said former missionary Jessica Larsen. “It’s probably a lot like my personal missionary experiences, but I can’t be sure because my subconscious is blocking those memories in order to protect me.”
As the church grapples with the fallout, leaders are urging members to avoid the film and focus on their faith. “Now more than ever, we must remain steadfast and not be swayed by outside influences,” admonished Elder Mark E. “Marky Mark” Peterson.
Despite their efforts to downplay the situation, the question remains: How did Hollywood get its hands on the church’s playbook?
“It’s a mystery we’re determined to solve,” said Sister Hayes. “In the meantime, we’ll be revising our training materials—just in case.”
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