Nefarious (2023) Blu-ray Review

In 2016 Steve Deace wrote a novel entitled A Nefarious Plot. Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon adapted the novel for the screen and then they directed this film as well. It was released on April 14, 2023 in theaters. It grossed $1.3 million in 933 theaters in its opening weekend, finishing 10th at the box office.

Now when you think of faith-based films, you don't think of horror. But Nefarious is more than a horror film it is a psychological thriller. Now for physical media fans Mill Creek Entertainment is releasing this film on DVD and Blu-ray.

On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer named Edward Wayne Brady (Sean Patrick Flanery, The Boondock Saints) gets a last-minute court-ordered psychiatric evaluation. The serial killer surprises the psychiatrist (Jordan Belfri, Entourage) with his claim that instead of trying to avoid his fate, he is a demon who wants the execution to go forward... and further claims that before their brief time together is over, the doctor will have committed three murders of his own.

The film is confined for the most part in the room where the evaluation takes place. This really gives the film a claustrophobic feel. There is not a lot of action, there is a lot of dialogue. But the acting of these two men (Sean Patrick Flanery and Jordan Belfi) really carry this, to where it never seems boring. 

Sean Patrick Flanery really is amazing in this film. The way he slips between the man and the entity is simply amazing. His performance reminds me a lot of Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight. I think this is his best performance of his career.

Now Nefarious has an agenda, as all films do. Whether you want to admit it or not. All filmmakers make a film to say something. Nefarious is no different. Now this is a Christian faith-based film and while it does push the Christian values in this, it is not overtly done. Sometimes an agenda is smashed over your head like a hammer, but Nefarious is not. I really enjoyed this film so much, I will be watching it again! 

Mill Creek Entertainment has transferred this film to Blu-ray in 1080p in 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The film looks and sounds great in HD. This transfer is that good.

But a great looking transfer is not all that is included on this Blu-ray. There are featurettes, commentaries, interviews and more. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray.

* The Making of NEFARIOUS

* Filmmaker Commentary with Directors Cary Solomon & Chuck Konzelman and Producer Chris Jones

* Cast Commentary with Sean Patrick Flanery and Jordan Belfi

* Interview with an Exorcist with Father Carlos Martins

* Speak of the Devil: Demonic Manifestations and Attacks in Making the Film

* NEFARIOUS Easter Eggs

So, you can see this Blu-ray included not only an edge of your seat thrilling horror film. But it includes extremely insightful audio commentaries, a great making of featurette, an interesting interview with Father Martins and more.

If Nefarious seems like a film you would like to add to your collection, I highly recommend this new Blu-ray. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the Mill Creek Entertainment Blu-ray of Nefarious receives....