NEFARIOUS (2023) — Ending *Explained*

What, exactly, occurred at the end of 2023's Christian horror/thriller film, Nefarious? 🤔

If you're a viewer who was left feeling dissatisfied or confused about the ending — particularly if you're a Christian who disliked the darkness of it — I'm here to explain what I believe the film intended to be taken away from its conclusion, as well as the film as a whole!

Watch my Nefarious review video here:

#nefarious #filmanalysis #christianmovies

[alyssacharpentier_author]

Thanks to my commenters for bringing this to my attention: there's a final quote from Nefarious at the very end of the film! (Not what I covered in this analysis, which addresses the main ending.) From what I've gathered, this is the translation:

"Autem stultus es ut non comprendias. Continuendem est!"

TRANSLATED:
"But you are a fool not to understand. To be continued!"

This quote is preceded by a repeat of "Mene mene tekel upharsin, " or "Numbered, numbered, weighed, divided, " a portent of the kingdom of Babylon's approaching doom. Feel free to add other translations or refine mine as you find them. I need to watch through the credits more! 😄

[Nene-szer]

i've watched it like 4 times, The dialogue was sublime. The abortion discussion really touched me.

[webcityguymyclubb]

Hell is filled with people who don’t believe in it. Great movie.

[Uchoobe-pgnn]

I won't lie this movie actually brought me back to Christ so thank you to everyone involved from the bottom of my heart ❤

[paulosicne]

I sure hope they don't make a sequel. That would be a bummer. The movie is great as a stand-alone, no need to drag it through the mud. It's perfect as is.

[brandonfrost]

Exactly. Coming to Christ is a heart decision, not a head decision. Speaking as a lifelong atheist, I didn't want it to be true. I wanted proof in a scientific way. That's not how it works. Taking the leap of faith comes first, the proof comes later, though usually in a manner where it's only proved to you, not usually in a way you can prove to others. However, it is curious that there is only one name used as a curse word. Jesus Christ. Seems like there is power in that name. Curious, isn't it?

[ronpatriot]

A very well thought out commentary, and a superbly written and portrayed film. Sean Patrick Flannery's performance is totally oscar worthy.

[foundationsbaseball]

I can still hear the ending in my head. Sean Patrick Flannery put that voice on perfectly. So thankful to my Savior

[Lifescythe]

"The mind can know what the heart refuses to acknowledge" Well said. It's like a TLDR version of Romans 1:18-23.

[bl]

Sean Patrick Flanery really deserve an Oscar for Best Actor in this movie. Unfortunately knowing how ungodly Hollywood is nowadays this will never happen.

[mattwill]

Sean Flanery gave a phenomenal performance.

[JonJon-hwoq]

Even the Pharisees denied the Son of God despite firsthand witness to many miracles. But their hearts were not seeking truth rather they pursued their own ambitions.

[wmlouisiana]

According to Steve Deace, that's why he left the ending open in the end. He didn't want his book to have a cheesey happy ending, but a thought provoking and decision offering one.

[philipwalker]

the ending of this movie reminds of this verse.
Matthew 12:43-45
“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.

[j.peters]

What's so interesting is Nefarious makes the argument that servitude to God is a form of slavery yet he constantly refers to his "master" many times. A bit of hypocrisy on the demon's part.

[andrewmares]

Being a reborn Christian I appreciate the darkness of this movie cause it's not productive for the lost if you just give people a prosperity gospel instead of the whole truth

[muchneededdoseofreality]

For anyone who is on their spiritual journey, I highly recommend this movie! Ever since my awakening I've been disconnected from Hollywood, mainstream sports, news ect. However I was browsing Bitchute one day and stumbled upon the Nefarious upload & let me tell you, there wasn't one second of this movie I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat whilst latching onto every moment of character context delivery even rewinding several times as to not miss one facial expression change. The man who portrays Nefarious has an unbelievable range as an actor and the unborn at the altar moment of this movie was so emotionally delivered It hits differently for anyone who has had the unfortunate similar circumstance happen to them! Just Superb was this movie!

[ahapka]

I actually liked the ending and the directors specifically said they did not want a cheesy conversion story. Because that's not always realistic. Like you said about the Israelites, some people simply won't let Him into their hearts and repent and change their behavior. Think of all of the positions and attitudes he holds that would have to change. It's simply not that easy for some people to come to God. Some people simply won't.

[spaceman]

my fav scene was when the demon explained creation from its own perspective, how it found humanity to be a slap in its face and therefore uses us as tools to hurt god

[calebmaxwell]

I believe that when James pulled the trigger, and it didn't shoot, Nefarius might have intentionally prevented it from firing because he still ended up publishing a book. Therefore, Nefarius didn't kill him, as he may have had a plan for James.