Based off the award-winning short film of the same name written by Aaron Horwitz, who adapted his own screenplay for this film.
The demon "Malphas" referenced in the movie is real in demon mythology. "Malphas" first appears in Johann Weirs Pseudomonarchia daemonum. Demonological sources describe him as a mighty Great President of Hell, with forty legions of demons under his command and is second in command under Satan. He appears as a raven, but if requested, will instead resemble a man with a hoarse voice. Malphas is said to build houses, high towers and strongholds, throw down the buildings of the enemies, destroy the enemies' desires or thoughts (and/or make them known to the conjurer) and all what they have done, give good familiars, and quickly bring artificers together from all places of the world. According to the writers, Malphas accepts willingly and kindly any sacrifice offered to him, but then he will deceive the conjurer.