How often have you gone to the movies with high expectations, only to be let down? On the other hand, you might end up being pleasantly surprised when you go into the theater with low expectations. This past weekend, I had a rather unique experience. After a two-hour drive to Lincoln, Nebraska, I finally found a rare movie theater showing the film Nefarious.
Nefarious, based on the 2016 novel A Nefarious Plot by Steve Deace, was written and directed by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon. It stars Sean Patrick Flanery (of Boondock Saints fame) and Jordan Belfi.
I had heard many glowing reviews of this low-budget movie and walked into the theater with high hopes. But my high expectations were shattered, as this so-called “horror movie” about demon possession exceeded them by far. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire movie and hanging on every word.
The vast majority of the movie takes place in one room. On the day of his scheduled execution, Edward Wayne Brady, a convicted serial killer in Oklahoma undergoes a final psychiatric evaluation by Dr. James Martin (who happens to be an atheist) to determine if he can legally be executed. During the evaluation, the prisoner claims to be a demon. Is this just a clever ploy to make people think he’s insane so that he can avoid execution? Whatever the case might be, this man’s life and death depends upon Dr. Martin’s expertise and his findings.
The acting from the two co-stars was impeccable. Sean Patrick Flanery’s performance was simply mesmerizing; I worry about his mental state after playing this role. The script and dialogue were first-rate.
As a professional theologian, I give this movie a perfect score for theological accuracy (although some Calvinists might differ). I was ecstatic when the characters discussed the significance and importance of God giving humanity free will. If one were familiar with my book Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism, or had viewed my many YouTube videos on the topic, they might assume I was behind the scenes coaching the actors through their dialogue.
On top of that, after watching this movie, no one on either side of the pro-choice vs. pro-life debate will ever view abortion the same way again.
In short, not only did this movie meet my high expectations, but it greatly surpassed them and has become one of my all-time favorites. It’s been dubbed a horror movie, but it stands alone as a masterpiece in its own genre. This is not your traditional “horror” film. I, for one, do not enjoy the proverbial horror movie, but although many are describing Nefarious as a horror flick, it is more aptly labeled a “theological thriller.” It will leave the viewer thinking about this story for days.
I don’t know how else to describe it other than a film that must be seen and studied. It’s both enjoyable and extremely informative. It might just be the most important movie ever made.
I can’t wait to see it again and again.
Click here to watch the trailer, and then do whatever it takes to watch this movie in the theater!
Click here to host the movie at your local church or venue.
– Dr. Tim Stratton
