As a film enthusiast and someone who deeply appreciates the stories that reflect the richness of our diverse cultures, I found Lee Daniels’ latest project, “Deliver Us from Evil,” to be a captivating exploration of an unseen character in the African American community. The woman at the heart of this story is not just another stereotype; she’s a complex, resilient figure who embodies the strength and love that defines our communities.
SPOILER ALERT: This article discusses plot points in “The Deliverance,” now playing on Netflix.
Lee Daniels, renowned for movies like “Precious,” “The Paperboy,” and “The Butler,” has ventured into a new genre with his latest film, “The Deliverance.” While many spectators were taken aback to discover it’s a horror movie, Daniels is typically recognized for creating dramas. However, there are supernatural elements in “The Deliverance,” but they are woven into a family narrative rooted in real-life events. The film follows Ebony (Andra Day), a single mother caring for her three children (Caleb McLaughlin, Demi Singleton, and Anthony B. Jenkins) and ailing mother (Glenn Close), who have moved into a house that appears to be haunted. As the family encounters torment from demons, Ebony must also confront a social worker (Mo’Nique), who grows increasingly concerned about the children’s welfare. The movie is inspired by the infamous “Demon House” case from Gary, Indiana, and Ebony is modeled after Latoya Ammons, the matriarch of that family.
The director of the movie, Daniels, had a conversation with EbMaster about the film’s spiritual aspect, the distinctive part played by Close, and his belief that he won’t be creating another horror film in the future, based on a script penned by David Coggeshall and Elijah Bynum.
This is your first horror movie. What about the script made you want to tackle it?
Following “Precious,” I received another script, but I hesitated to accept it as it seemed too reminiscent of Precious, involving abuse. Additionally, my mother dissuaded me from taking the role, believing strongly that I serve as a conduit for various energies. She felt that if I went ahead with this project, something negative might befall me. However, the plot resonated with me deeply. Given our current challenging circumstances, I strive to share stories that I feel are significant and reflective of our times or locations. To me, it was primarily about discovering a higher power. Contrary to Netflix’s initial expectations for a jump scare, this story focused on something more profound.
This troubled family discovers a source of strength greater than themselves, be it Buddha, Allah, Jesus, or self-love. In these challenging times, perhaps this is the key to survival. Self-love is one way, but let’s face it, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and the world outside can be uncertain and frightening. I aim to encourage you towards your source of strength. Whether I managed to do so or not, that was my intention.
Ebony goes through so much in the movie, but she never breaks. Beyond the script, how did you and Andra develop such a complicated character?
It’s wonderful since we share a short way of communicating effectively. I have a short method of communication with all my actors, but it was especially effortless with her as we had developed such an intimate working relationship while collaborating on our recent film, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” [2021].
I chose to collaborate with her on this project as she possesses a deep spirituality, having been raised as a born-again Christian. During the movie’s climax, she can be seen speaking in tongues, which is not something I am familiar with but is a part of her faith. This ability to speak in an unknown language at church is her communicating with God. Consequently, we had some dialogue, but when she went off and started to speak, I was utterly amazed. My assistant director asked if the camera was rolling, to which I responded, “Yes, we’ll definitely use every bit of this.”
What horror films have inspired you?
I don’t know that there’s a film that’s like this. I don’t think so. But for me, I’m not into jump scares. I am into jump scares if they’re done well. There was one great film recently, “Talk to Me.” I loved it so much, but I don’t know how to do that. I wanted to tell it from a grounded perspective, and I wanted it to feel like “The Exorcist.” I wanted to feel like “The Omen” one and two. I wanted to feel like “Rosemary’s Baby.” I wanted to feel these characters, you’re drawn in and seduced by real people. You think it’s “Precious,” and then I yank the rug from under you and you think, “Oh, no, this is something else.” It was a homage to those types of films. I hope I succeeded.
Some of the human characters are the scariest elements of the movie. In fact, it’s almost a relief when you find out something supernatural is happening, because you think, “OK, Ebony hasn’t lost her mind.” How were you able to elevate the tension in that way?
The horror wouldn’t have been convincing unless we were genuinely absorbed in the authenticity of the situation. Those children were indeed taken, as a matter of fact. They were taken by the social worker, leaving Ebony to battle not only the demon haunting her home but also the legal system for custody of her kids. The question arises: Was Ebony abusing her kids? What differentiates a motherly spank from a violent attack?
I aimed to emphasize that she’s tough enough to handle herself against boys or men in a rough environment. Upon returning home, she then encounters a conflict with her son.
Did you ever interact with the real-life family at all during this process?
1. On two occasions, I’ve talked to Latoya previously for her wellbeing. There might have been another time when we had a brief conversation about something unrelated. However, I never personally met her due to my apprehension stemming from what my mom mentioned and how I felt. We’ve shared her narrative, except for the fact that her mother was white, which I deemed essential to present accurately. I aimed to detach myself from the story on a personal level to maintain objectivity. The film was shot in Pittsburgh, and I chose to narrate it there instead of Indiana. I felt the need to separate myself from the subject matter in any way possible. It appears she has discovered her higher power, which is what I aimed to convey. I hope she appreciates the movie.
Audiences have never seen Glenn Close in a role like this before. How did you discuss it with her?
Initially, I found her character hard to grasp. But as Glenn’s filming progressed, I suggested she put on some weight, and we adjusted her costumes accordingly. Her reaction? A mix of confusion and surprise, “Hold up! What? Why? Why?” followed by a question I least expected, “What? Is there cellulite?”
This unseen character is not familiar to us, yet she’s well-known among many African Americans. She’s deeply rooted in the neighborhood, always standing by her people. She has children of African descent and exclusively dates Black men. The community generally holds her in high regard, as there are no instances similar to the ‘Karen’ situation. This character is new to us, which contributes to my eagerness to narrate that particular story.
Your mother was concerned about the energy this movie might bring your way. Did you feel any of that energy while making the film?
Throughout filming, we always had a professional on hand who was well-versed in this line of work, not only assisting Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in her role but also ensuring our safety on set. You see, I’ve studied the behind-the-scenes stories of productions like “Poltergeist” and “The Exorcist,” and I made a conscious decision to avoid any potential supernatural incidents during our shoot. To that end, we adopted a daily prayer routine. However, HR from Netflix expressed concerns about this practice being offensive, so we devised an arrangement where I could say something like, “I’d like to express my personal beliefs; those who aren’t comfortable with this can choose to leave the set.” A handful of crew members decided to step away, but most understood the importance of this protective measure and chose to stay. It seemed they had read the same books as I did!
Would you want to direct more horror in the future?
Instead of checking the box for drama because it’s what I’m known for, I wanted to challenge myself in a new way by trying out this genre. This film offers a unique rhythm that my other projects lack, providing me with an educational opportunity. If there ever is a “Deliverance 2,” I will be the producer, not the director, as it demands a specific level of cognitive thinking. It was indeed a lengthy production, so perhaps I’ll move on to something lighter like a romantic comedy next. But let me clarify that’s just a joke – I wouldn’t dare attempt a romantic comedy! [laughs]
Are there any other genre boxes you’d like to check off?
I’ve got an idea brewing for either a TV show on Disney+ or a movie featuring some down-to-earth superheroes. I haven’t found one yet that truly hooks me, and I yearn to explore this genre. It’s like I can almost taste the excitement of diving into a story that feels real and gritty, where I can immerse myself fully.
I’ll continue exploring dramatic storytelling, drawing inspiration from the likes of Cassavetes. These are filmmakers who delve deeply into the complexities of the human experience.
I wanted to ask about the future of “Empire.” I know the Cookie project didn’t make it to fruition, but do you foresee any chapters in the future?
We’re planning to attempt a project titled “Star,” as it appears that’s what many people are eagerly seeking online. Initially, I had assumed “Empire” was the top choice, but it seems “Star” is what everyone’s really after. I’m going to produce a film featuring Queen Latifah and the entire cast of “Star.”
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Read More
- Discovering the Infinite Power: The Abiotic Factor that Could Change Everything
- UFO PREDICTION. UFO cryptocurrency
- Finding Resources in Palworld: Tips from the Community
- AAVE PREDICTION. AAVE cryptocurrency
- BONE PREDICTION. BONE cryptocurrency
- The Last Epoch Dilemma: Confronting the Gold Dupe Crisis
- Skull and Bones: Navigating the Quest for Extra Teeth in the Game
- Uncovering the Mystery of Red King Players in Clash Royale – What Reddit Users Have to Say
- The 10 Best Movies of 2024 (So Far)
- Gaming News: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Dondoko Island Takes Expansion to New Heights
2024-08-30 23:47