Nefarious is the best movie you’re likely not to see in 2023. Why that is the case has nothing to do with its production values—which are excellent—but because the content just so unashamedly exalts Christ, while at the same time avoiding the cringeworthy genre of what many “Christian” movies turn out to be.

Nefarious is a modern-day take on C.S. Lewis’s famous The Screwtape Letters (1942). Although, while Lewis used the printed page to convey his diabolical dialogue, Nefarious uses film. Set in an Oklahoma prison, Nefarious revolves around two central characters, Edward (a convicted serial killer on death row) and Dr James Martin (a psychiatrist). James has been commissioned by the prison to prove that Edward is sane and so “fit to be executed”. Edward though is claiming to be demon-possessed, and according to the state authorities, technically insane.

Somewhat surprisingly, the movie has been given an R rating, which is all the stranger when one realises that there is no violence, sex or swearing at all. Not even the name “Jesus” ever mentioned, although His presence is definitely there throughout the entire movie, albeit behind the scenes. When Christ is referred to by Edward it is by the title, “The Carpenter” which is definitely a fresh and respectful angle to take which I liked.

What Nefarious Gets Right

There is so much to appreciate about this film, and not just because it’s a good movie. Nefarious is a theologically orthodox explanation about God, the Devil, and the cosmic battle which occurs every day for a person’s soul. What follows is a list of the numerous highlights which I personally took away.

• The Devil has extraordinary knowledge in that he understands many details about another person’s life, education and experiences. This information is passed onto a person who is possessed as an example of the Devil’s power. In the movie, this is portrayed by Edward knowing all about James’ life and especially the events surrounding his mother’s death at James’ hand (by euthanasia) and his girlfriend’s choice to proceed with having an abortion.
• The possessed character of ‘Edward’ is not afraid of physical death but instead, of eternal torment (Mark 5:7). Indeed, the demon inside of Edward — who identifies himself as ‘Nefarious’ — tells the psychiatrist James that he is “done” with his host and it is time for them to choose another victim. In this sense, the demon inside of Edward wants him not only to die, but to experience as much pain as possible when he does.
• The importance of names. The demon quickly identifies himself to James with a name deriving from the Persian word, “Nefariarmous”. When James dismisses its significance, the demon quickly becomes annoyed saying, “Names are important. They have power. They let everyone know who we are. Isn’t that right… Jimmy?”
• The murderous nature of the Devil. The Bible consistently describes the Devil as being motivated by a desire to kill and destroy (John 8:44; 10:9-10; 1 John 3:11-15). When James asks Edward how many murders have you been involved in? His answer is “Innumerable. My work predates your concept of history.” This is precisely what you would expect the Devil to say.
• One of the most interesting aspects of the script is its description of possession as a process rather than a one-off event. Edward describes it as a series of ‘yeses” which gives him increasing rights over the victim, and that there are stages or degrees of possession until the person is fully subjugated. In one line, Nefarious says, “My master is very generous with the toys he gives us to play with” referring to how multiple demons can afflict a person once the Devil has gained entry.
• Another aspect that the film gets right is the attitude of arrogance that pervades the demonic. As Edward says to James at one point, “You ignorant sack of meat. You think your atheism will protect you? I don’t believe in angels or demons, heaven or hell. So, you can’t hurt me?”

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