Lee Daniels’ ‘The Deliverance’ is a must-see supernatural horror
Horror movies might not usually be for everyone but sometimes you just can’t help but dive into the creepy unknown.
This new Netflix horror is directed by the brilliant Lee Daniels. It has the perfect mix of supernatural spookiness and real-life vibes as the story is inspired by actual events.
It is the type of true-life horror that gets under your skin more because you know somewhere out there, this actually happened.
“The Deliverance” reunites Daniels with Andra Day and Mo’Nique, both of whom he’s worked with before: Day in “Billie Holiday” and Mo’Nique in “Precious”.
These queens lead a stellar cast, with Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Caleb McLaughlin.
The film is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2011, and centres on Ebony Jackson (played by Andra Day), a struggling single mother who moves into a house that is, unbeknownst to her, home to an evil spirit.
Her three kids (played by Caleb McLaughlin, Singleton and Jenkins) are affected greatly by the presence and things get worse by the day.
Ebony’s mom, Alberta, played by Close, adds some humour and heart to the story with her sassy, born-again attitude.
Mo’Nique steps in as Cynthia, a social worker tasked with checking in on the family, while Ellis-Taylor plays Reverend Bernice James, who is determined to get rid of the demon plaguing them.
What sets “The Deliverance” apart from your typical horror flick is the real-life inspiration. The movie draws from the experiences of a family in Gary, Indiana, who were possessed.
The story caught national attention in the US in 2014 when the “Indianapolis Star” ran an investigation detailing their terrifying experiences.
From bizarre episodes like the kids levitating, speaking in unnatural voices and being thrown across rooms, this real-life haunting was the stuff of nightmares.
Even law enforcement, medical professionals and social workers reported witnessing some of these eerie events.
While the movie takes its sweet time to build up — like many horror films do — it does manage to sneak in some laughs along the way.
The humour doesn’t take away from the horror, though. It gives you a moment to catch your breath before things get dark.
Of course, not everyone believed the claims. Some suspected that mental health issues were behind the odd behaviour, and child services get involved, taking custody of the children for a while.
The film does a good job of playing with that tension between belief and doubt.
While “The Deliverance” may not pack the same terror as other horror films, director Lee Daniels approached it as a "faith-based thriller".
So if you’re a fan of horror that leans into exorcisms and demonic activity, “The Deliverance” is worth a watch. The movie has layers, with strong performances and a chilling story rooted in real events.