New Movie ‘Nefarious’ Tackles The Horrors Of Modern Secularism

Spoilers.

Modern horror films often rely on violence, sexuality, and demonic possession. While these may elicit physical reactions, they often lack depth and substance. In contrast, “Nefarious,” a new film produced by conservative commentator Steve Deace and directed by Christian filmmakers Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon, stands out because it has a deeper meaning.

The film is based on Deace’s best-selling novel “A Nefarious Plot” and centers around the scheduled execution of a convicted serial killer named Edward Wayne Brady. A psychiatrist named Dr. James Martin must assess Brady’s mental state to determine if he is eligible for execution. However, Martin’s worldview and secular beliefs prevent him from understanding the reality of the situation. Brady is possessed by a demon named “Nefarious,” which raises a dominant theme in the film – evil is everywhere, manifesting in both subtle and obvious ways.

Nefarious explains the process of demonic possession, outlining how people gradually become acclimated to evil through a series of small moral infractions. The demon tries to lead Martin down this path, causing him to commit acts of casual cruelty while arguing that it is his right to live the way he chooses. Through these acts, Martin unwittingly serves Nefarious’ goal of ushering in an era of darkness and demonic rule.

The film is a commentary on our current culture’s spiritual crisis, in which people seek self-actualization and meaning from charlatans rather than from faith. “Nefarious” uses horror to highlight deeper existential issues, making it a rare example of a horror film that can be considered art.

“Nefarious” will be in theaters nationwide on April 14.