Nefarious
On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer gets a psychiatric evaluation during which he claims he is a demon, and further claims that before their time is over, the psychiatrist will commit three murders of his own.
Working with a modest budget of $3.0M, the film achieved a modest success with $5.4M in global revenue (+80% profit margin).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Nefarious (2023) showcases strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Chuck Konzelman's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 38 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Dr. James Martin arrives at the maximum security prison, confident and composed as a rational psychiatrist preparing for a routine evaluation.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Edward transforms into "Nefarious," claiming to be a demon who has possessed multiple people throughout history. The rational evaluation becomes a supernatural confrontation.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Dr. Martin decides to continue the evaluation despite his growing unease, actively choosing to engage with Nefarious' game and claims rather than walk away., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Nefarious reveals the first "murder" - Jane will abort their child, and Martin will support her decision. Stakes dramatically raised as the prediction becomes personal and immediate., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Martin breaks down as Nefarious accurately reveals Martin's darkest secret - his own past involvement in pressuring someone to have an abortion. His rationalist worldview crumbles., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 82% of the runtime. Martin makes his final decision on Edward's sanity evaluation, choosing to declare him legally sane despite everything he's witnessed, sealing Edward's fate., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Nefarious's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Nefarious against these established plot points, we can identify how Chuck Konzelman utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Nefarious within the horror genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Dr. James Martin arrives at the maximum security prison, confident and composed as a rational psychiatrist preparing for a routine evaluation.
Theme
Nefarious states: "I'm here to help you commit three murders" - introducing the theme of spiritual warfare, free will, and the reality of evil beyond rational explanation.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the prison setting, introduction to Edward Wayne Brady on death row, scheduled execution at 11 PM, and Dr. Martin's secular worldview. Meeting with warden and initial procedures.
Disruption
Edward transforms into "Nefarious," claiming to be a demon who has possessed multiple people throughout history. The rational evaluation becomes a supernatural confrontation.
Resistance
Dr. Martin resists and debates Nefarious' claims, attempting to maintain scientific objectivity. Nefarious begins revealing disturbing personal information about Martin's life and past.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Dr. Martin decides to continue the evaluation despite his growing unease, actively choosing to engage with Nefarious' game and claims rather than walk away.
Mirror World
Nefarious reveals knowledge of Martin's girlfriend Jane and her pregnancy, introducing the personal stakes that will force Martin to confront his own moral choices.
Premise
The intellectual and spiritual battle escalates as Nefarious recounts his influence throughout history, discusses abortion, suicide, and reveals increasingly personal details about Martin's life.
Midpoint
Nefarious reveals the first "murder" - Jane will abort their child, and Martin will support her decision. Stakes dramatically raised as the prediction becomes personal and immediate.
Opposition
Martin struggles with the revelations while Nefarious details the second and third murders, including Martin's own eventual suicide. Pressure intensifies as predictions align with Martin's hidden truths.
Collapse
Martin breaks down as Nefarious accurately reveals Martin's darkest secret - his own past involvement in pressuring someone to have an abortion. His rationalist worldview crumbles.
Crisis
Martin sits in darkness and despair, confronting the reality that he cannot explain away. He must decide whether to declare Edward insane (sparing him) or sane (allowing execution).
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Martin makes his final decision on Edward's sanity evaluation, choosing to declare him legally sane despite everything he's witnessed, sealing Edward's fate.
Synthesis
Edward is executed. Martin leaves the prison and confronts Jane about the pregnancy. The demon's predictions begin to unfold as Martin faces the consequences of his choices.
Transformation
Martin, now broken and spiritually aware but not saved, faces his dark future. The rational skeptic has been transformed into someone who knows evil is real but remains enslaved to it.