I normally detest Christian movies. Part of the reason is that they seem to have too much influence from Hallmark. They are comfortable and cozy, two adjectives that often fail to describe the life of someone learning to walk closer with Christ.

But Nefarious was different. An atheist psychiatrist interviewing a man on death row who claims to be demon possessed is neither safe nor comfortable. The movie is blunt, but in a way that feels satisfying.

Sean Patrick Flanery should have at least received an Oscar nomination for his acting. His ability to switch between Neferious, a centuries old entity bent on evil, and Edward, a death row inmate who is still somehow pitiable, is astounding.

The film does have some issues. The ending is too long. The scene where you finally learn what it takes for Martin’s atheism to crumble and for him to cry out to God should have been the end- the rest didn’t add much. But unlike most Christian films, the stakes actually feel real.