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Horror film

Nefarious (2019): Cast & Ratings

Nefarious (2019) movie poster

Nefarious is a 2019 horror film directed by Richard Rowntree, starring Buck Braithwaite as Darren, Nadia Lamin and Omari Lake-Pottinger. It runs 1 hour 18 minutes. Its Echo Score is 82/100.

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Nefarious (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 18m (78 min)
Director
Richard Rowntree
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Nefarious About?

The premise of Nefarious without spoilers.

Darren, Lou, Jo, and Mas struggle to survive on the fringes of poverty, deeply indebted to a ruthless criminal boss. Meanwhile, wealthy brothers Marcus and Clive unexpectedly win a lottery. Their separate lives intersect when a robbery goes wrong, leading to a confrontation that tests their limits. The would-be criminals find themselves facing a monstrous threat and fighting desperately for survival.

Nefarious Themes & Keywords

· 28 tags
  • disabled man
  • winning lottery ticket
  • bound and gagged
  • debt
  • leather cuffs
  • ball gag
  • poverty
  • criminal boss
  • gas
  • unconscious
  • vat of acid
  • psycho
+16 more
  • handcuffs
  • handcuffed to a bed
  • bloody nose
  • recliner chair
  • stabbed in the neck
  • knockout gas
  • scalpel
  • stepfather stepdaughter relationship
  • burglary
  • lottery ticket
  • tied to a chair
  • brother brother relationship
  • botched robbery
  • woman bound and gagged
  • stepdaughter kills stepfather
  • death of father
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Cast & crew

Nefarious Cast & Characters

Buck Braithwaite leads the cast as Darren, with Nadia Lamin as Lou and Omari Lake-Pottinger as Mas. Directed by Richard Rowntree; 7 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Nefarious

· 3 more
Ratings

Nefarious Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

82 /100

Nefarious Echo Score Breakdown

Nefarious delivers a compelling low‑budget horror experience that resonates more with genre enthusiasts than casual viewers. The film’s narrative structure, anchored by flashback interviews, sustains tension and offers a surprising climax, while its practical effects and atmospheric score heighten the sense of dread. Performances are generally solid, with several characters exhibiting clear motivations and emotional weight. Production values, notably the stark monochrome palette and competent editing, compensate for occasional technical roughness. Collectively these elements make the film worth revisiting for fans of gritty British horror.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    ART focuses on the film’s visual and editorial craftsmanship. The cinematography alternates between gritty realism and stylised monochrome sequences, providing a distinct aesthetic that supports the story’s tone. Editing maintains a measured pace, especially during flashback transitions, though some reviewers noted occasional rough cuts. Overall, the production design and direction achieve a competent level given budget constraints.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    CHARACTER assesses the depth and resonance of the performances. Several actors convey believable anxiety and layered motives, allowing audiences to empathise with both victims and antagonists. Notable portrayals include a tormented protagonist and a chilling antagonist, which anchor the emotional core. However, a minority of critics found the acting uneven and the script under‑developed, tempering the overall impact.

  • Story & Flow 80

    STORY evaluates narrative cohesion and originality. The plot unfolds through fragmented testimonies, creating a layered mystery that gradually intensifies toward a gruesome climax. Original twists and a bleak setting distinguish it from conventional home‑invasion fare, sustaining audience interest. Nonetheless, some viewers reported pacing issues and an overreliance on genre tropes, which slightly detract from its overall coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    SENSORY examines auditory and visual immersion. The film’s score delivers a tense, low‑frequency drone that amplifies suspense, and several reviewers highlighted it as a standout element. Visual choices, such as high‑contrast lighting and a muted colour scheme, reinforce the bleak atmosphere. While the sound design is generally effective, occasional mixing inconsistencies were noted, preventing a fully polished sensory experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    REWATCH reflects the film’s lasting appeal for repeat viewings. The intricate plot structure and subtle visual cues reward attentive audiences, encouraging a second look to uncover hidden details. Strong practical effects and a memorable climax also contribute to its rewatchability. Conversely, the uneven pacing and occasional technical lapses may diminish enthusiasm for some viewers on subsequent watches.

Details

Nefarious Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “邪恶兄弟” and “Бесчестный”.

Also known as
  • 邪恶兄弟
  • Бесчестный

Seen Nefarious?

FAQ

Nefarious FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Nefarious, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Nefarious?

Nefarious runs 1 hour 18 minutes (78 minutes).

When was Nefarious released?

Nefarious was released on October 28, 2019.

Who directed Nefarious?

Nefarious was directed by Richard Rowntree.

More films by Richard Rowntree

Who is in the cast of Nefarious?

Nefarious stars Buck Braithwaite as Darren, Nadia Lamin as Lou and Omari Lake-Pottinger as Mas, among 7 credited actors.

Does Nefarious have a post-credit scene?

No. Nefarious has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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