....The classic ugliness of the satanic image after Judas betrays Jesus. ....The soft, enticing voice of the androgynous being tempting Christ in the Garden we then see with a maggot emerging from its nostril. ....The scene with evil moving effortlessly among the crowd. ....And the scene with the “baby" caressing its "mother" was truly unnerving.
I think the black crow was also symbolic of evil.... demonstrating what happens if we submit to its lure.
Mel has said he was inspired by one of the greatest books on this subject: The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis.