Lee Daniel's "The Deliverance" is a harrowing and dark tale.
The film debuts on August 30, 2024 on Netflix.
This chilling film is inspired by a true story. The Deliverance follows Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children.
This movie is not the typical jump scare, cover your eyes type of horror movie, nor is it a traditional religion heavy fright fest film. The Deliverance manages to weave dramatic storytelling, spirituality, faith, and dark themes into a multi-layered horror film. While it is more along the lines of a psychological thriller, once the film builds up and hits its stride, it falls into a more traditional horror film genre, providing audiences with multiple chilling, suspenseful, and frightening scenes.
The film is directed by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and stars Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin and Mo’Nique in a genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power.
“When I first came across this story 10 years ago, I was hesitant to direct it. As a believer in spirits — both good and evil — I was scared to tackle it because I knew it was going to be too real for me. But the world we’re in now has changed since a decade ago. We're living in dark times and I came to realize that I no longer look at this as a typical horror movie. Instead, it’s a call for a higher power. Rather than making you jump out of your seat every two seconds, I’m here to scare you into finding your faith.” - Lee Daniels
The cinematic color palette used throughout the film matches the feelings and overall mood displayed by the character Ebony. Its almost as if a shadow is cast or lurking over or near her throughout the majority of the film. Without providing ay spoilers, we can say, that this also serves to support the characters arc and overall movie premise. The cinematography is spot on. It uses specific angles and colors to set the tone and evoke various emotions as the story unfolds.
The ensemble cast truly brought their A game in this film. The relationship between the siblings bodes well in the film and it plays out naturally on screen. Monique was perfectly cast in this role. As an actress, she has always shined in emotionally heavy dialogue scenes and this film allows her the platform to shine where she does so best. Her character’s emotional investment into the children as well as the entire family works well along with her believable, gritty, and powerful portrayal.
Don’t forget to watch this mother fight the spiritual battle of lifetime in order to protect and save her family! The Deliverance debuts on Netflix, Friday August 30, 2024. Check out the trailer below!