As a cinephile with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, let me tell you that “The Deliverance” is a rollercoaster ride, alright – a wild one that leaves you wondering where the brakes have been hidden. The first two acts are a poignant, well-acted family drama about a troubled single mother and her brood navigating life’s challenges. But then, in the third act, it veers off into supernatural horror territory that feels like someone took a sledgehammer to the movie’s credibility.
In search of a fresh beginning, a hardworking single mother named Ebony Jackson (portrayed by Andra Day) relocates her three kids to a new home in Pittsburgh. This kickstarts the narrative of “The Deliverance,” a film directed by Lee Daniels that has left many viewers scratching their heads this year. Initially, it appears as a heartfelt portrayal of a troubled family, but then transforms into an implausible supernatural horror thriller, making it difficult for us to take it with the seriousness it deserves.
The movie draws inspiration from the true events surrounding LaToya Ammons, an Indiana mother who asserted her home was haunted by malevolent spirits that eventually tormented her children. Fortunately, this unsettling aspect of the narrative doesn’t manifest until the climax. Throughout the film, we witness a plethora of subtle supernatural signs, but the main emphasis is on the family as they grapple with their internal disputes and societal hardships. It is during these family-centric moments that “The Deliverance” shines brightest.
A solid cast brings the movie credibility. Andra Day plays Ebony, a well-meaning but troubled single mother whose life is a reflection of her own violent childhood. She recently moved into a house in Pittsburgh with her oldest son Nate (Caleb McLaughlin), middle daughter Shante (Demi Singleton), and youngest child Andre (Anthony B. Jenkins). Ebony’s struggle with her past unfortunately manifests itself in her own abuse against her children. And her resurfacing alcoholism only makes things worse.
As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply immersed in the heartrending tale of “Daniels,” where the arrival of Ebony’s mother, Alberta, played by Glen Close, introduces an intricate layer to the narrative. The family’s life becomes even more complex as they are under constant scrutiny from a relentless social worker, Cynthia, portrayed brilliantly by Mo’Nique.
however, a chilling horror element unfolds in the narrative. It commences with odd smells emanating from the basement and flies persistently buzzing around its entrance. The typical loud bangs and doors mysteriously swinging open soon follow. There’s also Andre’s peculiar demeanor, particularly his unsettling conversations with Trey. Moreover, a woman (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) appears frequently outside their residence, adding to the enigma.
It all culminates in a trope-riddled final act that goes full Exorcist mode. Ebony faces demonic voices, body contortions, levitations, and even a stigmata as her motherly instincts kick in and she fights for the souls of her children. There seems to be some admirable allegorical intent. Sadly it’s all but lost as the movie turns into a generic copy-and-paste possession flick. The final 30 minutes end up clashing with nearly everything that came before it while wasting a fierce performance from Andra Day along the way. “The Deliverance” premieres on Netflix August 30th.
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2024-08-27 19:56