• Horror
• Thriller

The Deliverance 2024

The Deliverance is a supernatural horror film directed by Lee Daniels, inspired by the real-life "Ammons haunting case" in Indiana. The story follows Ebony Jackson (Andra Day), a single mother struggling with financial debt, an alcoholic past, and a strained relationship with her children and cancer-stricken mother, Alberta (Glenn Close). Ebony moves her three children—teenagers Nate and Shante, and youngest son Andre (or Dre)—into a new, rundown home in Pittsburgh (or Philadelphia, depending on the source). Unsettling phenomena quickly begin, including strange smells, dead animals, and Dre claiming to speak to an unseen presence named "Tre." The situation escalates when the children exhibit disturbing behavior and physical injuries, leading Child Protective Services caseworker Cynthia (Mo'Nique) to investigate Ebony for abuse and neglect. After a tragic incident where Alberta dies and the children are taken into custody, Ebony learns from a Pentecostal pastor, Reverend Bernice James (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), that the house was the site of a previous tragedy caused by a demonic possession. Initially skeptical, Ebony becomes a believer and partners with Reverend Bernice to perform a "deliverance" (exorcism) to save Dre. In the climax, Ebony confronts the demon, which manifests as a doppelgänger and weaponizes her past trauma. Driven by her rediscovered faith and love for her children, Ebony successfully performs the deliverance, banishing the demon. The film ends with Ebony reuniting with her children six months later, having found redemption and planning to reconcile with their father. The film features a strong ensemble cast. Andra Day stars as the protagonist, the troubled but loving mother Ebony Jackson. Glenn Close plays Ebony's cancer-stricken, born-again Christian mother, Alberta. Mo'Nique takes on the role of Cynthia, the skeptical Child Protective Services caseworker. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor plays the spiritual guide, Reverend Bernice James (or Apostle). The children are played by Caleb McLaughlin (Nate), Demi Singleton (Shante), and Anthony B. Jenkins (Andre/Dre). Omar Epps is also listed in the cast, playing a role that varies in detailed synopsis (some mention the father of the children, others a love interest of Alberta, though the search results are not perfectly consistent on his character). Critical reception for The Deliverance was generally mixed to negative. Many critics praised the powerful performances, particularly from Andra Day, Glenn Close, and Mo'Nique, and appreciated the initial focus on the gritty, grounded family drama concerning poverty, addiction, and social services intervention. However, the film was widely criticized for its second half and climax. Reviewers often stated that the narrative devolves into a generic, cliché-ridden possession flick, sacrificing the nuanced, strong character drama for tired horror tropes reminiscent of The Exorcist. The tone was described as uneven, failing to sustain the horror elements with the same intensity as the domestic drama. Some critics felt that the film's faith-based message was didactic, and the special effects in the final act were underwhelming. Netflix acquired the film in a competitive bidding war for a reported $65 million, which covered its estimated $30 million production budget plus additional buyouts. It was given a limited domestic theatrical release on August 16, 2024, before its main streaming release, likely to qualify for awards consideration. As a Netflix original film, its financial success is measured by streaming viewership rather than box office revenue.The film's primary release platform is Netflix. The Deliverance was released globally on the streaming service on August 30, 2024. Following its release, it quickly climbed to the top of Netflix's viewing charts, becoming one of the most-watched titles on the platform shortly after its debut. Read More

• 2024
• 1 h : 52 min
• 529 views
• 4.954
• R