The Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror Drama

The Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror Drama

Summary

  • Andra Day and Glenn Close stun with a raw mother-daughter dynamic confronted by demonic possession.
  • Lee Daniels seamlessly transitions from drama to horror with passionate Christian undertones.
  • The film’s climax is overwhelming and excessive, and gets a little out of control.

As a seasoned movie critic with a knack for empathizing with complex characters, I must say that “The Deliverance” has left me both captivated and disturbed. The performances of Andra Day as Ebony and Glenn Close as Berta are nothing short of remarkable, portraying the raw, emotional turmoil of a mother-daughter duo grappling with their pasts and present struggles.


Renowned filmmaker Lee Daniels ventures into the realm of horror with a chilling narrative about a tormented family’s harrowing encounter with demonic possession. “The Redemption” packs a powerful punch by delving into heavy themes such as abuse, alcoholism, and desperate reconciliation amidst an eerie supernatural setting. Lead actress Andra Day and the unrecognizable Glenn Close headline a compelling ensemble cast in this intense, brutal journey. A newfound faith in Jesus serves as their salvation in an open expression of Christian values. Daniels’ personal convictions resonate throughout the film, yet even those who may not share his beliefs can still be touched by an intensely emotional experience.

A Mother on the Edge and a Family Falling Apart

2011 finds Ebony Jackson (Day) moving with her three kids and ailing mother, Berta (Close), into an old Pittsburgh home. The biracial and troubled Ebony has a tumultuous bond with the lively and devoutly Christian Berta, who’s seeking redemption for past wrongdoings. Intermittently, we see flashbacks of a younger Ebony trapped in the grip of Berta’s abusive partner. Despite unforgiveness over this past hurt, Ebony reluctantly helps Berta through her chemotherapy sessions.

Andre, Ebony’s youngest child, starts having enigmatic chats with an unseen companion. Despite his peculiar actions, Ebony doesn’t seem to notice or address them. The house they live in is run-down and in need of repairs, creditor calls are a regular occurrence, and she has lost the admiration of her older teenage kids, Nate and Shante. These two tread carefully around their strong-willed mother, who doesn’t tolerate disrespect and reacts aggressively when her control is questioned.

Previously, Ebony’s actions have led Child Protective Services to keep a close eye on her. City social worker Cynthia Henry (Mo’Nique) perceives Ebony as an inadequate mother and is concerned for the children she looks after. When Nate, Shante, and Andre exhibit signs of mistreatment, Cynthia grows increasingly alarmed. Confused, Ebony doesn’t comprehend why her kids are acting this way. Berta questions if it could be Ebony causing the problem, but neither woman is aware of their new residence’s troubling history.

Andra Day’s Problems Are Scarier Than She Thinks

The Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror DramaThe Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror DramaThe Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror DramaThe Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror Drama

In the poignant and gritty depiction by Daniels, renowned for his work on “Monster’s Ball” and director of “Precious”, the precarious alliance between Ebony and Berta is portrayed through raw, intense dialogue. Their exchanges are filled with venomous insults that could singe your ears. Despite their efforts to build trust, both women carry deep wounds from their past failures as mothers. Berta failed to protect Ebony from sexual abuse, which ultimately led Ebony down a path of alcoholism and unbridled rage. Anger serves as her defense mechanism against pain. Yet, she is acutely conscious of how her volatile reactions impact her children.

Day delivers an outstanding performance as a mother struggling to prove her innocence amidst accusations. She is portrayed as being on the brink, yet sympathetic despite her questionable actions. Ebony needs to convince Cynthia that she isn’t the cause of the turmoil in her household. However, it’s an uphill battle given the damning outside perceptions. Day cries profusely before finding the strength derived from her faith to face unadulterated evil.

Glenn Close Is Remarkable in a Role We Never See

The Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror DramaThe Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror DramaThe Deliverance Review | Lee Daniels Surprises with Christian Horror Drama

1. Berta is seldom seen on-screen yet deeply immersed in Black culture. Her scenes of braiding Ebony and Shante’s hair demonstrate a comfort with Black lifestyles. Race isn’t the cause of her strife with Ebony; rather, they have a history marred by trauma. Underneath their tension lies deep affection. Berta delivers an exceptional performance in this role, further cementing her reputation as a talented actress.

As a cinephile, I’ll tell you this: In “Deliverance,” director John Boorman takes an unexpected turn in Act 2, moving from intense family drama to bone-chilling horror. Daniels really dives deep into William Friedkin territory, drawing comparisons to “The Exorcist” with his radical alteration of the plot. This shift isn’t subtle; Ebony finds herself face-to-face with a malevolent force intent on murder. The younger cast members bear the brunt of its fury in scenes that are nothing short of unsettling. Anthony B. Jenkins gives Linda Blair a run for her money with his chilling transformation, leaving audiences quivering in their seats. Daniels aims to shock and succeeds admirably, hitting the bullseye with this tonal shift.

A Christian Message Explodes in an Excessive Ending

The Christian theme in “The Deliverance” movie is persistent. Ebony initially ridicules Berta for her faith, labeling it as misplaced and foolish. However, this dismissal fades when Ebony encounters the Satanic origin of her troubles. To vanquish a malevolent force that endangers her kids, she must conquer self-doubt and embrace Jesus Christ as her redeemer, viewing this as the sole means to combat an evil entity. Daniels delivers a fiery sermon filled with threats of damnation in a wild, biblical confrontation. The movie’s climax becomes overly dramatic and excessive, but it’s still worth reaching that momentous scene.

“Lee Daniels Entertainment, Tucker Tooley Entertainment, and Turn Left Productions have brought us ‘The Deliverance.’ Initially, it will be shown in select cinemas on August 16th. After that, you’ll be able to stream it on Netflix starting from August 30th. Here’s the link for your convenience:”

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2024-08-15 21:04