Little Evil (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, centered around a mysterious nunnery now operated by cult leader Father J.D. Gospel. Key scenes also occur at Waterland, a Pope-blessed amusement park that serves as a contrasting setting of joy and normalcy against the film's darker elements.

• bethlehem pennsylvania
• nunnery
• waterland
• setting
• location

Little Evil is set in contemporary times, with no specific historical era indicated. The modern setting allows the film to blend everyday suburban life with supernatural horror elements, creating tension between normal family dynamics and the bizarre events unfolding around Gary.

• modern day
• contemporary
• time period

The film explores three primary themes: Family Dynamics, focusing on the challenges of step-parenting and learning to love a child that isn't biologically yours; Supernatural Elements, examining whether Lucas is genuinely connected to dark forces; and Crisis and Redemption, showing how Gary overcomes his fears and prejudice to embrace fatherhood.

• family dynamics
• step parenting
• supernatural
• acceptance
• love

Little Evil is classified as a horror-comedy, blending supernatural horror with satirical humor. Despite its premise involving the Antichrist and cult rituals, the tone is deliberately light and playful, using exaggerated comedic scenarios to undercut potentially dark themes while still maintaining suspense.

• horror comedy
• genre
• supernatural
• satire

Gary Bloom is the newlywed husband of Samantha and stepfather to her 5-year-old son Lucas. He represents the everyman protagonist struggling to connect with his stepson while dealing with bizarre events that make him suspect Lucas might be the Antichrist. His arc involves overcoming fear and prejudice to truly embrace fatherhood.

• gary bloom
• stepfather
• adam scott
• protagonist

Lucas is Samantha's 5-year-old son from a previous relationship, portrayed as a peculiar and introspective child whose actions trigger increasingly chaotic and supernatural events. While Gary suspects him of being the Antichrist, the film's innocent portrayal suggests Lucas may simply be misunderstood, with his purity playing a key role in the story's resolution.

• lucas
• antichrist
• child
• owen atlas

Father J.D. Gospel is the charismatic yet sinister leader of a doomsday cult who operates out of the converted nunnery in Bethlehem. He represents the manipulative side of faith and belief systems, drawing others into his malevolent plans. His character serves as the primary antagonist, embodying true evil in contrast to the innocent-seeming Lucas.

• father jd gospel
• cult leader
• clancy brown
• villain
• antagonist

Samantha is the mother of Lucas and Gary's wife, portrayed as a caring parent who bears the burden of blame for the chaos surrounding her son. She displays resilience throughout the narrative, particularly when confronting threats from Father Gospel's cult, with her maternal instincts proving crucial to the story's resolution.

• samantha
• evangeline lilly
• mother
• parent

Little Evil uses its horror-comedy premise to explore the real challenges of step-parenting, including feelings of isolation, societal pressure, and the struggle to bond with a child who isn't biologically yours. The film ultimately delivers a message about unconditional love and acceptance, showing that overcoming prejudice and fear is essential to building genuine family bonds.

• step parenting
• unconditional love
• family acceptance
• parental journey

The nunnery serves as the story's primary location for supernatural activity and cult operations, representing the dark underbelly hidden within seemingly normal family life. Its transformation from a religious sanctuary to a hub for Father Gospel's doomsday cult creates visual and thematic irony, contrasting sacred spaces with evil intentions.

• nunnery
• cult
• sacred
• supernatural location
• father gospel