I have no patience with horror movies that rely overmuch on gore, violence and lazy “boo” moments. Most stuff in the genre these days. Much more recommendable are those flicks that gradually build up a sense of peril and worm their way under your skin and into your mind to create dread from within. Even better when they then lead to a satisfying or at least edifying denouement. And those rare occasions where the script is intelligently written get high marks.

In a dark and stormy night, a pair of Mormon missionary sisters call on a spooky-ish house in the hope of making a new convert. Contrary to their expectations, they find an amiable, well-spoken man who’s not only conversant with LDS teachings, but with the myriad tenets of most of the world’s religions. 

Their mild suspicions that this guy is too good to be true are confirmed when they find they can’t leave but must stay and listen to a far-ranging and increasingly twisted debate on the nature of belief itself. 

Hugh Grant, who has been struggling a little to find his way since he outgrew the “aw shucks,” rom-com phase of his career, gets a role here worthy of his subtle, wide-ranging talents. In fact, his matinee-idol past works in his character’s favor here, and he puts in a performance that rates among his career-best. Turns out he’s really good at being bad.

Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are both excellent in their constantly morphing roles. The writer/directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were the original writers of A Quiet Place. And the bump-in-the-night sound design is so spot-on it should get an actor’s credit. You should go see it. Believe me. (111 min)