There was a pressure, I think, internally in our own heads of like, are we sustaining the tension enough instead of jump scares?

We were thinking about sound design already in strategic moments where we could mix it and it's actually more present.

And it almost feels like internal inside their heads.

So I think that's what we did in lieu of like trying to figure out jump scare.

And we were trying to like attempt to do like can like a potent philosophical idea replace a

jump scare.

Yeah.

Like that's what we were attempting to do.

Yeah. Hello, and welcome back to the Director's Cut, brought to you by the Directors Guild of America.

In this episode, a sadist menaces a pair of Mormon missionaries, and director Scott Beck and Brian Woods' psychological horror, Heretic.

The film follows two young women ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make

it out alive. In addition to Heretic, Beckin Woods' other directorial credits include the

feature films, The Bride War Blood, Nightlight, Haunt, and 65.

The movie for television spread, and episodes of 50 states of fright.

Following a screening of the film at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, Beck and Woods spoke with director Michael Mohan about filming Heretic.

Listen on for their spoiler-filled conversation.

All right.

So, hey, everybody.

I'm Mike. I'm Scott. I'm Brian. This was my second time seeing the film. And I just, there's so much, sorry, I could talk about this for a really long time, but we only have 30 minutes. I love this so much.

I love that it, you know, as someone who made a less subtle movie about religion earlier this year, I made this film called a Baculate.

And at the end, Sydney Cooley kills baby Jesus.

But in this movie, it's a much more subtle ending with a beautiful shot of the butterfly.

...