The premise is straightforward - a psychiatrist must evaluate a condemned killer who claims to be possessed by a demon named Nefarious. What follows is a feature-length theological debate between these two characters, confined mostly to a single prison room.
The film's strengths lie in its willingness to tackle weighty philosophical themes through extended dialogue. Sean Patrick Flanery as Nefarious and Edward Wayne Brady commands the viewer's attention.
However, several issues hold Nefarious back.
The writing often feels heavy-handed in pushing its message, particularly during lengthy monologues about contemporary social issues. Jordan Belfi's somewhat wooden performance as Dr. Martin creates an imbalance in the central dynamic. The low-budget production values distract, especially the generic score that undermines key moments. And the film stumbles in its final act.
Overall, Nefarious works best to showcase Flanery's acting abilities rather than the profound theological horror it aspires to be. The film will likely resonate with viewers who are seeking faith-based content. For others, it remains an interesting but flawed experiment.