Heresy

The film depicts a man's descent into extreme religious fundamentalism, inspired by the real-life story of a former Iranian cleric who believed he was the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islam. It explores his isolation, his increasingly radical beliefs, and the disturbing path he takes.

As of its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, "Heresy" has garnered significant attention for its disturbing and intense portrayal of religious extremism and psychological unraveling. Critical responses often highlight its unsettling atmosphere and provocative subject matter, though its challenging themes have also led to divided opinions.

• Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and bold exploration of extreme ideology.

• Noted for its intense and disturbing portrayal of psychological descent.

• Some found the subject matter challenging and the narrative bleak.

Google audience: As "Heresy" is a recent festival film, audience reviews are not yet widely available. Initial reactions tend to focus on its challenging and thought-provoking nature.

Premiered in Competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Director Ali Abbasi has stated that the film was inspired by the real-life events surrounding a man who declared himself the Mahdi in Iran.