The Big Picture Lee Daniels' first foray into the horror genre plays with social stereotypes. The film borrows sto
The Big Picture
- Lee Daniels’ first foray into the horror genre plays with social stereotypes.
- The film borrows story beats seen everywhere from The Exorcist to The Conjuring.
- The third act becomes a grab-bag of religious horror imagery that binds well enough, but can feel thrown together.
Lee Daniels‘ tradition of telling vulnerable Black stories continues with his first directorial horror project, The Deliverance. Writers David Coggeshall and Elijah Bynum channel exorcism titles from David Gordon Green‘s The Exorcist: Believer to James Wan‘s The Conjuring, maybe too literally.
Pittsburgh’s semi-suburban outskirts establish surroundings like Cabrini–Greens in Bernard Rose‘s Candyman, although all these comparisons pack more terrifying genre ferocity.
Daniels lays household drama thick as possession hauntings leak into frame without urgency, which works to establish stakes yet relies heavily on third-act payoffs. That might not favor a sensational horror debut, but enough works as a haunting fight for survival against monsters and prejudice, proving Daniels’ versatility behind the camera.
What Is ‘The Deliverance’ About?
The Deliverance is loosely based on Latoya Ammons’ reported paranormal encounters in Gary, Indiana. Latoya, her mother, and three children moved into the infamous “Demon House” — which celebrity ghost hunter Zak Bagans purchased for his 2014 movie Demon House — and that’s where Daniels starts. Ebony (Andra Day), her cancer-stricken white mother Alberta (Glenn Close), and three children move into a Pittsburgh home with immediate freak occurrences.
Pesky flies follow a stench in the basement (like Latoya recounts); Ebony’s youngest, Andre (Anthony B. Jenkins), starts talking to an imaginary friend — the vibes, as we say, are off from the start. But will Ebony’s social worker, Cynthia Henry (Mo’Nique), believe a solo mother — herself abused by Alberta — when sons and daughters say they “woke up” with unknown bruises?
Despite its tonal puzzle and everything-at-once climax, The Deliverance captivates as an American-bred slice of “Outsider” storytelling. For a while, you’ll question if Daniels’ brand of terror even requires an underworld misfit’s appearance. Ebony faces the same skepticism surrounding Ammons’ unbelievable accounts.
REVIEW
The Deliverance (2024)
The Deliverance tries to rattle generic possession and exorcism storytelling, and while its cultural focus gives it that breath of fresh air, the film’s dramatic fixation sometimes detracts from its horror leanings.
- Release Date
- August 30, 2024
- The film has a strong ensemble from young to old.
- Daniels doesn?t hold back come the end.
- It makes for an even-handed horror debut.
- Sometimes?going for it? gets the better of ambition.
- The pacing is a little off, holding the?showing? of supernatural horrors until the end.
- Can feel routine in its spooky architecture.
The Deliverance comes to theaters in the U.S. starting August 16 and is available to stream on Netflix starting August 30. Click below for showtimes near you.
Conclusion
The Deliverance tries to shake up the horror genre, and while it has its flaws, it’s a strong debut from Lee Daniels. With a great cast and a fascinating true story at its core, the film is worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is The Deliverance based on a true story?
A: Yes, The Deliverance is loosely based on Latoya Ammons’ reported paranormal encounters in Gary, Indiana.
Q: Who is the director of The Deliverance?
A: The Deliverance is directed by Lee Daniels.
Q: Is The Deliverance a horror film?
A: Yes, The Deliverance is a horror film that combines elements of possession, exorcism, and supernatural terror.
Q: Where can I stream The Deliverance?
A: The Deliverance will be available to stream on Netflix starting August 30.
COMMENTS