In the semiotic analysis of the poster for the film Heretic, the key question is what does being a heretic mean?
Heretic is a film produced by A24 and premiered on 1 November. It is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for A Quiet Place. The cast includes Hugh Grant and Sophie Thatcher, among others. The story centres on a mysterious figure whose actions and beliefs provoke strong public reactions. The ‘heretic’ of the title challenges prevailing dogmas and beliefs. Meanwhile, the promotional slogan ‘Question Everything’ suggests that the narrative revolves around challenging established norms and authorities. The film’s themes oscillate around moral and philosophical conflicts. It highlights the clash between the individual and the larger system of beliefs and values.
Denotative analysis
Denotatively, the poster depicts a man emerging from the darkness, with his hand extended towards two wooden figures. The blurred figure of the man creates an aura of mystery, while the sharp figures serve as the central element of the composition. The slogan ‘Question Everything’ and the title ‘Heretic’ not only catch the eye but also suggest a challenge to the viewer. Moreover, the wooden figures resemble children’s toys or dolls. When combined with the dark background and the man’s menacing expression, they may evoke motifs of manipulation or control over others. Additionally, the aesthetic of the poster is reminiscent of gothic horror, featuring shades of browns and beiges. This color palette could be associated with a psychological drama that possesses a dark, intellectual tone.
Connotative analysis. In search of an answer to the question: what does being a heretic mean?
Connotatively, the poster refers to the idea of manipulation and control. The man appears as a demiurge or god, controlling the lives of the wooden figures. These figures may symbolize innocence, subjection, or childhood. The wooden figures have a crude, primitive character, which may suggest something basic, primal about the human condition. The blurry face of the man becomes anonymous, symbolizing not just one person. Instead, it may represent an ideology or belief system that casts a shadow over the lives of individuals, taking away their individuality. The slogan ‘Question Everything’ emphasises the importance of critical thinking and breaking out of traditional thought structures.
In the traditional sense, a heretic is someone who challenges commonly accepted religious or philosophical beliefs.
Commutation test
The application of the commutation test would involve replacing the dolls with other objects or forms of expression. If living people or animals replaced the dolls, their symbolism could change significantly. Instead of representing control and manipulation, the image might evoke the idea of victims or prisoners who are dependent on hidden forces. Conversely, if the male figure disappeared from the poster and the dolls alone remained, the motif of control would become less obvious. These changes highlight how important the presence and gestural expression of the figure in the background is for the meaning of the poster.
What does being a heretic mean? Myth analysis
The poster for the film Heretic uses strong visual contrasts and symbolism. This suggests that the story will explore both psychological manipulation and rebellion against dominant belief systems. Furthermore, the figures in the poster appear passive, lacking movement or emotion; they are, in fact, merely objects in the hands of a larger, more powerful figure. In this way, the authors of the poster imply that the power to control and manipulate is concentrated in the hands of those who adhere to established norms. This suggests that those who challenge these dogmas may be marginalized or oppressed. Consequently, this portrayal may depict the heretic as the only individual aware of this control and, thus, ready to resist.
The poster asks what heresy is and what it means to be a heretic. In the traditional sense, a heretic is someone who challenges commonly accepted religious or philosophical beliefs. Often, they pay a high social price for doing so. In the context of the poster and the film, a heretic symbolizes an individual who refuses to accept the role of a passive puppet in society. Instead, they choose the path of independent thinking and reject imposed truths. Such an approach can lead to confrontation with authority and expose one to isolation. However, it also represents a quest for authenticity and self-discovery.