Soli Deo Gloria Releasing | Release Date: April 14, 2023
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 32 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
24
Mixed:
0
Negative:
8
Watch Now
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)
9
kylerhudsonJul 18, 2023
Sean Patrick Flanery is incredible in the lead role, and certainly deserves an Oscar nomination. Wonderfully directed and shot. 4.5 our of 5 :)
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
eva3si0nJun 25, 2023
Nefarious is one of the most interesting chamber thrillers in 2023. Nefarious is a fairly budget film aimed strictly at a certain audience. This is a chamber thriller in which 80% of the timing is a dialogue of 2 characters by an eight. AreNefarious is one of the most interesting chamber thrillers in 2023. Nefarious is a fairly budget film aimed strictly at a certain audience. This is a chamber thriller in which 80% of the timing is a dialogue of 2 characters by an eight. Are there any horror elements in Nefarious? Yes and no. Like most of the film, horror here are words. Is there a thriller here? Yes, a little bit, towards the end of the movie. Nefarious does not give anything new genre, for many the film will seem empty and boring at all. But in fact, Nefarious is a great thriller in which suspense is sustained throughout the film. Plot twists with 3 murders work, and I'm sure not every viewer will guess about 2 others. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
8
greenisgoodJul 12, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. TL;DR - When the credits roll the story, performances, dialogue, and sheer theological implications of the plan set in motion by the so-called 'Nefarious' entity will reach deep down in you and send a wake-up to some, fear to many; even in the staunchest of beings it will in the least send a vibration to what we may call a soul.



The Good ____________________________________________________________________________________________ I am a fan of the Boondock Saints movie, it's brash, filled with action and violence being generally fun to watch but I have not really seen any other works of actor Sean Patrick Flanery. But this was a decent reminder as to why those two films were such a blast, even though he was just one part of the awesomeness in both the "Saints" movies, here he takes center stage and gets a chance to show his acting chops, and his performance kills it. Sean Patrick Flanery plays the convicted serial killer Edward Wyane Brady awaiting a psychiatric evaluation before his pending execution, the evaluation happening as the convict claims to be possessed by the demon who is the namesake of the movie "Nefarious".

Flanery/Edward/Nefarious's performance takes you down an absolute roller coaster of emotions, surprisingly making you feel things for a supposed convicted killer I never thought I would feel, hopefully, this role gives him a decent platform to many better appearances as he definitely does have more to share with the world as an actor. Sean is backed by a great performance by the evaluator Dr. James Martin played by Jordan Belfi, who also turns in an impressive performance pitting his atheist scientific mind against a battle of wits, beliefs, and truths against the demon possessing the convict.


This is a minimalistic story where 90% of the plot takes place in a single room, with next to no special effects of any kind that you would normally associate with a possession movie. This is one of those films that rely on absolutely great dialogue writing and outstanding performances by both actors. They truly sell the whole possession angle with nothing but sheer acting and one measly lightbulb shorting out.


This is a minimalistic story where 90% of the plot takes place in a single room, with next to no special effects of any kind that you would normally associate with a possession movie. This is one of those films that rely on absolutely great dialogue writing and outstanding performances by both actors. They truly sell the whole possession angle with nothing but sheer acting and one measly lightbulb shorting out.

It will be a riveting experience for people of all walks regardless of their religion, beliefs, or race, equivalent to an experience that you would have had from the amazing Phonebooth 2003, just with a slight veneer of religion, regardless of the minimalism the two actors manage to sell the bigger picture of this massive war between good and evil with flying colours.

The Bad

There was an aspect of pro-life propaganda that does show up in the movie, when it came up my mind did start to wander thinking that was the point, but the movie will bring you back to the bigger picture quickly if you allow the scene to play out. There is a point to this part existing in the story and selling the whole possible possession evaluation.

The director duo does have the most Christian propaganda film known to mainstream media, Konzelman and Solomon have the "God's Not Dead" films tied to them which in most mainstream media is more of a Hammer on the Head level of religious messaging/vehicle for the grandiose awesomeness of Christianity, and is generally considered more propaganda than films. Regardless, this movie is as farthest from that kind of stuff as it can even be.

If this movie was designed to be a vehicle like the "Gods Not Dead" series, I am happy to see that this fails at being the same.

Conclusion

I was glad at the end that I did not read up as I normally would on who the directors/writers were or who the actors were as the whole cast is generally not well known aside from the previously mentioned roles and TV roles before watching the movie. Even the plot was generally a two-line description that I read just before I started my watch. I would also suggest the same if you do decide to watch the film.

I would urge you to put aside your knowledge of the background of the director duo if you are already aware of it and give the movie a chance, give the actors a chance as this is definitely a sleeper/under-the-radar great watch that does often tend to leave a bigger impression than you would have expected.

A must-watch at least once recommendation.
Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
10
Bigyoshi56Jun 30, 2023
Amazing film. But it's all talking no action if you're into that it's a must watch
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
10
kiwijinxterSep 2, 2023
I went into this movie with no expectations, as I didn't know who the two main actors (Sean Patrick Flanery and Jordan Belfi) were. I knew the high level premise of the movie which was simply this: "On the day of his scheduled execution, aI went into this movie with no expectations, as I didn't know who the two main actors (Sean Patrick Flanery and Jordan Belfi) were. I knew the high level premise of the movie which was simply this: "On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer gets a psychiatric evaluation during which he claims he is a demon, and further claims that before their time is over, the psychiatrist will commit three murders of his own." This synopsis totally underplays the absolute powerhouse this movie is! If you watched Exorcist, at least you knew what to expect especially the famous special effects. But Nefarious on the other hand, makes the devil feel much more real and true to life. This is because this movie truly illustrates how the devil can just do so much evil and wreak so much destruction in our personal lives without we even realise until it is too late. In short, nobody knows they are bound for hell until they find themselves there already. And that is the single reason why it sent chills down my spine. In fact, if you pay VERY close attention to the very first lawyer scene, it will totally freak you out. And if you want just a glimpse of hell, this movie does it in spades more than the Exorcist ever could. Sean Patrick Flanery and Jordan Belfi both acted so powerfully that you are drawn in to the wiles and schemes of the devil in taking as many people to hell as he can. You will walk away from this movie thinking about two things: (1) Are you on the side of good or evil? There is no in-between, and if you refuse to choose, you won't get to choose, and won't like the outcome! (2) I do not want to go to hell if this is even just a mild glimpse of what hell is. This is not a standard horror fare, but after watching this, you may not be able to sleep for days until you have resolved where you stand. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
9
Jb99999Aug 19, 2023
For some those with a spiritual background this will hit uncomfortably close to reality. For those who don’t believe in God or anything else, this will be a boring movie. Flannery does and amazing job playing the main character. Very well done.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
acedeck24Apr 15, 2023
An incredible thought provoking movie that will make you question everything as you walk out of the theater. The chemistry of the actors is on another level. An Oscar level performance, but we all know that will never touch this film. It’sAn incredible thought provoking movie that will make you question everything as you walk out of the theater. The chemistry of the actors is on another level. An Oscar level performance, but we all know that will never touch this film. It’s too on target. Go see the movie. You won’t be disappointed. Expand
9 of 12 users found this helpful93
All this user's reviews
10
carlh2021Jun 7, 2023
I found the acting - even though I did not recognise the actors, pretty darn good. Music was sparse - but was added carefully where it mattered. Its not a perfect movie - but wow, does it get you asking questions - certainly does. The oldI found the acting - even though I did not recognise the actors, pretty darn good. Music was sparse - but was added carefully where it mattered. Its not a perfect movie - but wow, does it get you asking questions - certainly does. The old statement of the devil's greatest trick was making you believe he doesnt exist. It really begs you - considering current world events, whether the majority of the world has indeed been tricked into doing truly diabolical things from abortion to rainbow covered "everything" promoting asexualised ideology to more slaves in the world than there ever has been historically. So many little details that begs another viewing just to see what you've missed. A really good movie that doesnt need amazing effects, that barrels along and requires your attention. Highly recommended watch. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
10
MiGrainJun 6, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of watching one of the finest movies in recent memory. This cinematic gem successfully brings us face to face with the harsh realities of our world. The acting performances were truly remarkable, keeping me on theI recently had the pleasure of watching one of the finest movies in recent memory. This cinematic gem successfully brings us face to face with the harsh realities of our world. The acting performances were truly remarkable, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film, constantly guessing what would unfold next.

While the woke mob might be displeased due to their personal beliefs, it's important to note that this film fearlessly challenges societal norms. It offers a fresh perspective that may not align with the opinions of certain groups. Nevertheless, I assure you, this movie is a brilliant work of art that deserves recognition.

I wholeheartedly recommend this thought-provoking masterpiece to anyone seeking an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience at the cinema. It will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your mind and spark meaningful conversations long after the credits roll
Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
10
kayleigh33Jun 5, 2023
This movie is FANTASTIC! Sean Patrick Flanery’s acting is superb. This is a movie that makes you stop and think about humankind as a whole. Everyone that’s rating this movie low are doing so because of political and anti-Christian reasons.This movie is FANTASTIC! Sean Patrick Flanery’s acting is superb. This is a movie that makes you stop and think about humankind as a whole. Everyone that’s rating this movie low are doing so because of political and anti-Christian reasons. This movie is a MUST SEE!!! Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
10
Movie_GoerApr 15, 2023
Fascinating tense thriller, wondering how the threat made in plot summary could even be possible. Raises all sorts of questions about evil, demons, and how they would coax us to forsake our life's purpose. I love the story, want to watchFascinating tense thriller, wondering how the threat made in plot summary could even be possible. Raises all sorts of questions about evil, demons, and how they would coax us to forsake our life's purpose. I love the story, want to watch it again to understand the philosophy better. Expand
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
All this user's reviews
8
zeedeeApr 16, 2023
Saw it last night with a big group of friends, it subverted expectations in its simplicity and potency. Slick, disturbing and well acted. Might offend some with its subject matter. Great indie thriller that doesn't stick the landing, butSaw it last night with a big group of friends, it subverted expectations in its simplicity and potency. Slick, disturbing and well acted. Might offend some with its subject matter. Great indie thriller that doesn't stick the landing, but manages to stick with the viewer after credits. This is a cinematic horror thriller jem along the lines of FRAILTY, FALLEN and SILENCE Of The LAMBS and C.S. Lewis "The Screwtape Letters" 8.5/10 Go support this solid little thriller. Expand
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
All this user's reviews
10
wmurphy011Apr 25, 2023
Surprisingly well made film. Definitely worth the time of any fan of horror. Thought provoking, tense, atmospheric, and touches on a lot of truth. A very refreshing experience.
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
All this user's reviews
9
AshenWonMay 2, 2023
Griping throughout, unique and refreshing. In an ocean of mundane, sterilised Hollywood regurgitations this stands out as a bastion of counter-culture.

I’d recommend watching it without reading too much into the synopsis and without any
Griping throughout, unique and refreshing. In an ocean of mundane, sterilised Hollywood regurgitations this stands out as a bastion of counter-culture.

I’d recommend watching it without reading too much into the synopsis and without any particular expectations.
Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
All this user's reviews
9
DHagyMay 19, 2023
"Nefarious" is a masterpiece in acting, directing, and simplicity. The movie tells a story of possession. Sean Patrick Flanery deserves an Oscar nomination for his role as the demon Nefarious and the tortured Edward Wayne Brady. A series"Nefarious" is a masterpiece in acting, directing, and simplicity. The movie tells a story of possession. Sean Patrick Flanery deserves an Oscar nomination for his role as the demon Nefarious and the tortured Edward Wayne Brady. A series of murders have taken place and Dr. James Martin has been sent to interview Brady to see if he is legally insane; thus, keeping him from execution.

"Nefarious" takes a different approach to "possession." If you think you'll be seeing head turns, pea soup vomit, levitation, or grisly murders--think again. The majority of this movie consists of dialogue, albeit dialogue that will leave you talking and thinking after you leave the cinema. This may be why so many people did not care for the movie. Highly recommended.
Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
All this user's reviews
0
Bar0n_5am3d1May 2, 2023
Nothing more than rightwing propaganda (created by the same people that made the propaganda film gods not dead yet). We have enough of this in the media, don't need it in entertainment.
3 of 13 users found this helpful310
All this user's reviews
0
ocean10May 3, 2023
The most pathetic excuse for a film I have ever seen. It's boring, clichéd, terribly made piece of junk propaganda. I'm sure that all porn addicts with tattoos and MAGA caps will definitely enjoy it
2 of 11 users found this helpful29
All this user's reviews
1
LoriM1000Apr 18, 2023
Talky low-budget film. Overacting. Gruesome execution. Weird Glenn Beck cameo.
2 of 11 users found this helpful29
All this user's reviews
2
DaigoustAug 3, 2023
That kind of religious movie they used to make in the 90s... it doesn't work anymore today!!!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews