BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

LDS Church: Hollywood portrayals are ‘gross misrepresentations’

(L-R) Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher
(Credit :Kimberley French via A24 Films)

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

maylen

https://digital-stage.newsnationnow.com/

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241114185800

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241115200405

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118165728

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118184948

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — In November, movie-goers will be able to experience “Heretic,” a horror thriller starring Hugh Grant.

The movie surrounds two young sister missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two girls knock on the door of Mr. Reed, played by Grant, and unknowingly enter a “deadly game of cat-and-mouse,” according to the movie’s description.

The trailer shows Mr. Reed toying with the two missionaries, played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, as he tests their faith and beliefs.

The Utah-based church isn’t a stranger to Hollywood. In 2013, a PG-13 drama titled “The Saratov Approach,” was based on the true story of two young LDS missionaries who were held captive for a week in a remote part of Russia. Another miniseries starring Andrew Garfield called “Under the Banner of Heaven” follows a detective whose faith is tested as he investigates a brutal Utah murder.

Over the weekend, the Church said some of its portrayals in Hollywood are “fair and accurate.” However, without pointing to any specific movie or show, the Church also referred to some portrayals as stereotypes or gross misrepresentations that have real-life consequences.

In its statement, the Church said some Hollywood representations of the faith have irresponsibly mischaracterized the safety and conduct of its missionaries, an apparent reference to the upcoming “Heretic” film.

“We understand the fascination some in the media have with the Church, but regret that portrayals often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members or the sacred beliefs that they hold dear,” the Church said in a statement.

The Church said the “sensationalized” portrayals are in poor taste and that its members are dedicated to family, service, and their faith.

NewsNation affiliate KTVX reached out to A24 Films, the production company behind “Heretic,” but has yet to hear back at the time of publication. However, in an interview with Elle Magazine, Thatcher revealed she and her co-star, Chloe East, both grew up in the Latter-day Saints Church.

Both reportedly are no longer practicing members, but Thatcher told Elle Magazine she didn’t want to portray any clichés about the religion.

“I feel like we both did a good job of making it real and grounded and not a joke,” Thatcher said in the interview.

Still, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited the public to consult reliable sources of information about the Church.

“Listen to the voices and authentic experiences of individuals and families who find great joy and satisfaction in living these principles,” the Church’s statement continued. “The true story of our faith is best seen in the countless lives of those who strive daily to follow our Savior Jesus Christ.”

West

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241119133138

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Fair

la

56°F Fair Feels like 56°
Wind
0 mph N
Humidity
41%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 46F. Winds light and variable.
46°F A few passing clouds. Low 46F. Winds light and variable.
Wind
2 mph N
Precip
9%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous