Nefarious

Nefarious

Year: 2023

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Directors: Cary Solomon, Chuck Konzelman

Echo Score: 74
DramaHorrorFaith and religionReligious faith sin and forgivenessFaith and spiritual journeys

On the day of his execution, a notorious serial killer insists he is a demon during a psychiatric evaluation. He warns the psychiatrist that he will commit three murders before their time runs out. As the psychiatrist delves deeper into the killer's claims, a disturbing and unsettling series of events unfolds, blurring the line between sanity and possession.

Nefarious (2023) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Nefarious (2023) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the shadowed corridors of a maximum‑security penitentiary, the clock ticks toward a scheduled execution, casting a permanent sense of dread over every steel‑clad hallway. The institution’s rigid routine is punctuated by a single, urgent visit: a psychiatrist summoned to evaluate one of its most infamous inmates. The atmosphere is cold and procedural, yet an undercurrent of unease pulses through the walls, hinting that not all truths are locked behind cell doors.

Edward Wayne Brady sits in his cell, a notorious serial killer whose reputation precedes him, and from the moment he meets the doctor, he declares a startling claim—that a demon has taken residence within him. His unsettling certainty and the eerie gravitas of his proclamation set the tone for a psychological duel that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. Across the table, Dr. James Martin arrives as a skeptical, rationalist professional, tasked with determining whether the inmate’s mind is truly sane or irrevocably broken. Their conversation quickly becomes a contest of wits, belief, and desperation, each probing the other’s deepest convictions.

The film’s mood is claustrophobic and charged, mixing the stark realism of a prison’s daily grind with a creeping, atmospheric horror that suggests something darker may be at play. The presence of the warden, Tom Moss, and the memory of a previous evaluator who met a tragic end hint at a history of unsettling encounters within these walls. As the day advances, the sterile environment becomes a pressure cooker, where every word spoken can tip the balance between scientific assessment and a haunting, possibly otherworldly influence.

Through tight, dialogue‑driven scenes, the story explores themes of faith versus doubt, the nature of evil, and the fragile line separating sanity from possession. The tension rises not from overt action but from the unsettling possibility that the truth lying beneath the inmate’s claims may be far more disquieting than any courtroom verdict.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:50

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Nefarious

Don't stop at just watching — explore Nefarious in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Nefarious is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Nefarious Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Nefarious, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Nefarious Summary

Nefarious Timeline

Track the full timeline of Nefarious with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Nefarious Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Nefarious

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Nefarious. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Nefarious

More About Nefarious

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Nefarious: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Nefarious