Nefarious (2023) Ending Explained
TL;DR: The Ending of "Nefarious" Explained
"Nefarious" is a psychological horror-thriller that follows a convicted serial killer, Edward Wayne Brady, who claims to be a demon named Nefarious. The film culminates in a shocking twist where psychiatrist Dr. James Martin realizes too late that Nefarious is indeed a demonic entity possessing Brady. The demon succeeds in transferring itself into Martin's body, leaving Brady's original soul to die in the electric chair while the demon walks free in Martin's form. The ending confirms supernatural evil exists and leaves the audience questioning reality, possession, and the nature of evil.
Detailed Breakdown of the Ending
The climax of Nefarious hinges on a disturbing revelation: Edward Wayne Brady's claim that he is a demon named Nefarious is real. Throughout the film, psychiatrist Dr. James Martin remains skeptical, dismissing Brady's assertions as delusions of a psychopath. However, in the final act, Nefarious reveals his true objective-to transfer his demonic essence into Martin's body, thereby escaping execution. The demon succeeds by exploiting Martin's arrogance and disbelief, forcing him to say, "I renounce God," which allows the possession to complete. The final scene shows Martin (now possessed by Nefarious) walking away freely while Brady's original soul is executed in his place.
Themes and Symbolism in the Ending
The ending reinforces the film's central themes of faith, deception, and the fragility of human perception. Martin represents modern skepticism-he dismisses the supernatural outright, which ultimately makes him vulnerable. Nefarious, embodying pure evil, thrives on this arrogance. The possession ritual (requiring Martin to verbally renounce God) symbolizes how evil exploits doubt and pride. The execution scene is symbolic too - Brady's body dies, but the demon survives, suggesting that evil is not bound by physical forms. The film's final shot-of "Martin" smirking-implies that evil now walks freely in the world, undetected.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Was Brady always possessed, or did Nefarious take over later?
- The film suggests Brady was a willing vessel, possibly making a Faustian bargain.
- Alternatively, Nefarious may have always been in control, with Brady's personality erased long ago.
Why did Nefarious target Martin specifically?
- Martin's skepticism made him an easy victim-evil thrives where belief is absent.
- Nefarious needed a new host to escape execution, and Martin's position of authority made him ideal.
Could Martin have resisted possession?
- If he had acknowledged the supernatural sooner, he might have defended himself.
- His arrogance sealed his fate-he never took Nefarious' threats seriously until it was too late.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending of Nefarious is deeply unsettling because it confirms that evil won. Unlike many horror films that end with hope or escape, this one leaves the audience with a chilling reality-the demon succeeded. The twist is effective because it plays on the fear of the unseen and the danger of dismissing the supernatural. The film's strength lies in its psychological tension, though some may find the religious themes heavy-handed. Personally, I appreciated how it blended psychological horror with theological horror, making it more than just a jump-scare fest. However, the execution (no pun intended) could have been more nuanced-some dialogue felt overly expository rather than organic.
Final Thoughts & Lasting Impact
Nefarious leaves viewers with an ominous message: evil exists, and disbelief is its greatest weapon. The film's ending ensures a lingering unease-how many "Nefarious" entities walk among us, undetected? While not a perfect film, its bold ending and thematic depth make it memorable. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked skepticism and the reality of spiritual warfare. Whether one interprets it as a literal demonic possession story or a metaphor for evil's persistence, the final moments are haunting, ensuring the film stays with you long after the credits roll.