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Can this mystery-thriller transcend its genre and challenge your beliefs? Step into the enigmatic world of ‘Nefarious’ to find out
Title: Nefarious
Genre: Mystery, thriller (marketed as horror)
“Nefarious” delivers an intriguing narrative that blurs the lines between faith, psychology, and the supernatural. Jordan Belfi delivers an excellent performance as Dr. James Martin, an atheist psychiatrist called in to evaluate a death row inmate who claims to be possessed by a demon. Sean Patrick Flanery portrays Nefarious, the inmate, and Edward Wayne Brady shines in the role. However, criticism has arisen online regarding the portrayal of a character with schizophrenia.
The plot of “Nefarious” is gripping, as an atheist psychiatrist delves into the mind of a death row inmate who believes he is possessed. The film keeps audiences engaged, immersing them in a contained scene of intense interrogation and thought-provoking dialogue. Contrary to what the trailer may suggest, “Nefarious” is not a horror movie with jump scares but a thought-provoking thriller.
The pacing of the movie is well-maintained throughout, except for the final act. Unfortunately, the addition of a tacked-on scene discussing the protagonist’s faith and the impact of the events disrupts the flow. This scene slows down the movie, detracting from the otherwise engaging experience.
When the demon is describing Baby murder in the biblical time, that made me very uncomfortable. That moment stood out and was acted out so well.
The movie’s soundtrack and score do not stand out but adequately support the storytelling. Themes of faith are subtly intertwined in the narrative, culminating in a finale that overtly emphasizes its faith-based nature. However, the movie also carries a message of not judging a book by its cover, subtly woven into the storyline.
The ending of “Nefarious” leaves much to be desired. Rather than adhering to traditional horror movie tropes, the film takes a different direction. This unexpected choice may disappoint some viewers. A more satisfying ending could have kept the story focused on its primary location and incorporated a twist akin to M. Night Shyamalan’s style.
This movies biggest crime was it’s marketing. I saw the trailer for this and thought that I was in for a supernatural horror movie, this was defiantly not that. There are no jump scares or any scares in this movie for that matter. This is a faith based thriller first and foremost.
In terms of recommendation, “Nefarious” is best suited for fans of the mystery and thriller genre. Its well-crafted dialogue and clever antagonist contribute to the film’s strengths. However, the less-than-satisfying ending and the movie’s misleading marketing as a horror film limit its appeal. Those who appreciate a slower-paced, thought-provoking thriller will find something to enjoy in “Nefarious.” I’m going to give Nefarious 6.5 demons out of 10.
Overall, “Nefarious” impresses with its compelling dialogue and a standout antagonist. However, the stumble in the final act and the misaligned marketing prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the film incorporates faith-based themes, they are presented in a heavy-handed manner that may not resonate with everyone. In comparison to other movies in its genre, “Nefarious” falls slightly short, with films like “Missing” and “Scream VI” leaving a stronger impact. It’s on the same level as Knock at the Cabin, but since that movie takes place in Philly, its better. Unfortunately, due to marketing missteps, “Nefarious” may struggle to find its intended audience and leave a lasting impression.
