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Nefarious (2023)

Movie98mins

IMDb6.4/ 10

Where to watch Nefarious in Australia

Streaming availability data from JustWatch.

About Nefarious

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.

Year
2023
Runtime
98mins
Director
Cary Solomon
Top cast
Sean Patrick Flanery, Jordan Belfi, Stelio Savante, Tom Ohmer, Cameron Arnett

Nefarious trailer

Nefarious trailerPlay video: Nefarious trailer

What our critics think

Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.

Review Team

★★★★★4/5

Nefarious boldly ventures into the dark corners of the human psyche, presenting a gripping narrative that intertwines horror with profound moral questions. Directed by Cary Solomon, the film’s premise hinges on a chilling premise: a serial killer claims to be a demon and foresees the psychiatrist succumbing to his own darkness. The performances, particularly from the lead, are riveting, creating a palpable tension that sustains throughout. The film's cinematography effectively complements its themes, utilising shadow and light to enhance the sense of dread. While some may find its pacing uneven, the thought-provoking dialogue and character exploration make it a significant contribution to the genre. Nefarious is not just a horror film; it is an unsettling exploration of evil that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Editor Team

★★★★★3/5

Nefarious is one of those films that tries really hard to be profound but sometimes gets lost in its own ambition. The story kicks off with a killer who insists he's a demon, and while that sounds fantastic, the execution can feel a bit uneven. Some scenes are genuinely creepy, and the lead actor delivers a performance that's both chilling and captivating. However, there are moments where the dialogue drags, making it feel like it’s trying to pad the runtime. The moral questions posed are interesting, but they sometimes get overshadowed by the horror elements. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, you might find something to enjoy here, but it doesn't quite hit the mark for everyone. It’s a decent watch, but not a must-see.

How viewers describe this

  • thought-provoking
  • unsettling
  • chilling
  • uneven
  • captivating
  • intense
  • disturbing
  • engaging
  • moral ambiguity
  • psychological horror
  • mixed reviews
  • dark themes

Streaming Charts

The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.

Got a question about Nefarious?

Is Nefarious worth watching?

Nefarious is a thought-provoking psychological horror that challenges viewers with its intense themes and moral dilemmas. The performances, particularly that of the lead actor, are compelling, making it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate deep character studies intertwined with horror elements.

What is Nefarious really about?

Nefarious centres on a convicted serial killer who, on the day of his execution, undergoes a psychiatric evaluation. During this session, he claims to be a demon and predicts that the psychiatrist will commit three murders before their time is up. The film explores themes of evil, morality, and the human psyche.

Is Nefarious suitable for children?

Nefarious is not suitable for children due to its graphic violence, disturbing themes, and mature content. It is classified as a horror film and is better suited for adult audiences who can handle intense psychological scenarios.

Is Nefarious scary?

Nefarious contains elements of psychological horror that can be unsettling. The tension builds throughout, with moments designed to provoke fear and discomfort, making it a film that may scare those sensitive to such themes.

What films are similar to Nefarious?

If you enjoyed Nefarious, you might also like films such as The Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, and The Exorcist. These films share themes of psychological tension, moral ambiguity, and dark character studies.

What happens at the end of Nefarious?

Spoiler alert: At the end of Nefarious, the psychiatrist is confronted with the reality of the killer's claims and the moral implications of his actions. The film leaves viewers questioning the nature of evil and whether the psychiatrist's fate aligns with the killer's predictions.

Is there a sequel to Nefarious?

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel to Nefarious. The film's standalone narrative leaves little indication of a continuation, but its themes could potentially inspire future explorations.

What is the critical reception of Nefarious?

Nefarious has received a mixed critical reception, with some praising its ambitious narrative and performances, while others critique its pacing and reliance on horror tropes. It has sparked discussions on morality and the nature of evil.