Nefarious
In this, my second film review, you may notice that my reviews differ from others in that I tend to sometimes focus more on things surrounding the film. This one is more of a commentary. My perspective and whole movie “experience” are the focal points of my reviews. If you want a “typical” review, go find another one, for this one will disappoint.
Before I get into “Nefarious,” I must note that since the Evil One’s attempt at stifling the production of this movie failed (https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2023/04/13/when-the-devil-is-pissed-at-your-movie/), he sure managed to have his way in wanting to pervert the minds of its viewers before the film even begins. A shockingly obscene and perverse trailer appears in the film’s previews. I cannot tell you how much more unbelievably upset and uncomfortable I’d have felt had any young people accompanied me or people that I hold in higher regard, such as Religious. I suppose that our sin-saturated culture now believes that sex and crudeness are so prevalent that to feel uncomfortable with this makes one “out of touch” or someone who needs to “get with the times.” Folks, an all-out war is going on to destroy any innocence in the minds of our children and youth. Parents, if you suppose your teenagers are safe simply going to the movie theater to see a film you wouldn’t need to accompany them on, you’d be wrong! Hollywood is hell-bent on corrupting minds in one way or another. I was so unbelievably disgusted with what I heard and saw that I quickly reached for my phone to distract myself. I do not recall the movie’s title; I remember that it’s a “comedy” by the same people who made “Crazy Rich Asians.” Do not arrive before the start time to avoid seeing and hearing this filth!
On to my review/commentary. Being a devout and staunch Traditional Catholic, I know the reality of demonic possession. (How one can disbelieve in this twenty-first century is a blatant disregard of truth and willful ignorance that does not bode well for them in the future.) Like the film “Unplanned” (same directors), this film was one that the Evil One did not want to be made. As always, the Evil One prefers to continue having people disbelieve in his existence and despises that the truth be known and brought to light. I also came across a post by an exorcist who fully endorsed the film, claiming that it was the most accurate film ever made on demonic possession. Who better to know than an exorcist?
Does anyone else have a problem with these two directors (Konzelman and Solomon) being referred to as “devout Catholics?” That is what this post hailed them as being. One would never know from the previous films they’ve made that they are even Catholic, let alone “devout Catholics.” Let’s clarify: A “devout Catholic” is one who openly and zealously lives and professes the Catholic Faith! Their movies, although good, speak more to the Protestant faith than the One True Faith. It shouldn’t matter that one does not want to “offend” or turn Protestant dollars away. I’m sick and tired of ecumenism, and the poison spilled over from The Second Vatican Council! If we are to reclaim the culture, we cannot have different factions of Christianity. Either Christ established a Church, or He didn’t. If He did, and we know He did, we must reunite under her to be truly faithful to Christ. The truth must be spoken; one should care less about who it offends! That being said, I was finally happy to see a Catholic film made by these Catholics, so-called. But I digress.
“Nefarious” is a psychological thriller that was just that! It’s about a serial killer sentenced to die, but before he can be executed, the state needs to confirm that he is not insane. A psychiatrist is brought in to evaluate him on the scheduled day of his execution, and the warden immediately cautions him about the convict. During the introduction scene, the prisoner tells the doctor that he is a demon named Nefarious. This proves problematic for the doctor, who is a self-proclaimed atheist. One of my favorite scenes happens early in the film: The chaplain is called in, which troubles the demon—for obvious reasons. Once the priest walks in, the demon jumps up and shouts, “Stay away, priest!” in full defense mode. Once the demon learns that the priest does not believe in demonic possession, he becomes “friendly” and realizes that this “poser” –as he calls him—no longer threatens him. This scene showcases the power of the priesthood — instituted by Christ— its power, and the sad truth that many do not exercise their vocation the way Christ intended.
The movie exceeded my expectations, and I would encourage people to see it, especially those who doubt the preternatural and are dismayed about what is happening in the world. The theology is correct and on point. The overall acting is good, especially from Sean Patrick Flannery. (I hadn’t seen him in a movie in a while, and not in one where he stars since “Powder”). And since many left-leaning reviews note Glenn Beck’s appearance in the film at the end, I suppose I’ll also chime in. Since I’d only heard of Mr. Beck and never watched him, I had no problem with him appearing in the film as an interviewer. But those more familiar with him (even from non-left-leaning views) felt his appearance harmed the film. I leave that for you to decide since that’s debatable; after all, we live in a climate where everything becomes politicized, whether intentional or not.
As you can see, my main objective was not to review the movie, per se, but to share my thoughts on and surrounding the film. I felt it essential to caution parents about what’s now happening in theaters and remind my fellow Catholics about the necessity and urgency of praying for our priests!
