“The Deliverance” is a supernatural horror thriller film which is slated to release in 2024 and which has been directed by Lee Daniels. The film which was written by David Coggeshall and Elijah Bynum makes depiction of the movie that is centered on a family that is under attack by evil entities believable.
Set in Pittsburgh in 2011, “The Deliverance” follows Ebony (played by Andra Day), a single mother struggling to raise her three children: young teenage Shante (Demi Singleton), Nate (Caleb McLaughlin), and young Dre (Anthony B. Jenkins). Many families hire a new home which is when the first experience the paranormal, horrifying events. There is a mysterious energy inside the house and the kids begin to act in strange ways that show signs of possession. When dealing with her own problems Ebony gets caught in a war between supernatural forces and is faced with both external and internal monsters.
The film revolves around family trauma, racism and economic oppression, and one’s internal demons set within that supernatural framework. Ebony is not only fighting against the demons but also against the society’s injustice and violence that she experienced. Finally, the question has to be asked if “The Deliverance” is based on true events or it is a piece of fiction.
Is “The Deliverance” Based on Real Events?
Yes, “The Deliverance” is based the real events that happened in the history. The movie is inspired by the true story of Latoya Ammons, a single mum from Indiana, who once alleged that her house is surrounded with spirits and her children are possessed by evil spirits. There are many weird events that took place in the family of Ammons in 2011 such as knocks, children flying in the house, and even violence. The case received great media focus and virtually every media called the house a ‘The Demon House.’
Some people believed Ammons and the situation was investigated by the Department of Child Services (DCS) and also the intervention of a local priest who ‘exorcised’ the family. The house was later demolished, but the story did not end there; it went on to inspire several documentaries and eventually the movie “The Deliverance”.
Despite doubts of some people over the truthfulness of the things that Ammons told, the case became rather popular, combining elements of horror and religion with a pinch of satirical view of the society. The film by Lee Daniels bases itself on Ammons’ experience although the content of the movie is a lot more than just the story of the incident of the protagonist.
Lee Daniels, the director has expressed his desire to tell the story of the Ammons case and how it was relevant with him in so many ways. Interviews with Daniels show that he wants to depict supernatural as an allegory for the real-life issues that affect societal minority. As pointed out by Daniels, “The Deliverance” is not only a horror movie but also a representation of how the system influences and haunts people.
Actress Andra Day, who portrays the character of Ebony, has also downed her tools explaining how it was hard to get through scenes in which she plays both the victim and the offender. During an interview, Day recalled how the shooting of the movie entailed the use of a lot of feeling since Ebony is a fighter against supernatural and social powers. “A lot of the time, they’re not even physical,” said Day about Ebony’s demons’ nature. ‘She is fighting against something greater than herself and that struggle, I believe, is something that many people will find familiar with their own lives.’
The actress Glenn Close, who plays Berta, Ebony’s mother, also spoke openly about Daniels and his decision to work on this project, calling him an ‘avant-garde’ filmmaker. Close, who has always been a truly a versatile actress, said of her character that she is a very multi-faceted woman, who represents the duality of sin and salvation. “Berta is an incredible woman who has faced so many struggles and is now just struggling to find some form of decency in her life,” Close said in an interview.
“The Deliverance” is a supernatural drama that was inspired by the real-life case of Latoya Ammons to tell a much deeper tale of trauma, oppression, and redemption. As a horror movie, the film has all the standard trappings of the genre, however, it also tries to explore philosophical questions that most films in this genre do not bother with.
If you are a fan of the horror or social message, then “The Deliverance” is a blend that is worth watching, as it portrays the spirit of Lee Daniels as an indomitable film maker. The talent of adding the reality and the fantasy, has remained one of his most recognized trademarks in Hollywood.
Come back tvacute. com for more updates, reviews, and recaps.
