Lee Daniels, a widely celebrated filmmaker, producer and writer, has made a significant mark on the entertainment industry with acclaimed works like The Paperboy (2012), The Butler (2013) and the hit television series Empire (2015). His talent and unique storytelling earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director in 2009, solidifying his reputation as a force in drama. With Netflix's latest release, The Deliverance, Daniels ventures into the horror genre for the first time. This film, loosely based on a true story, offers a blend of supernatural and intense family drama.
The Deliverance tells the story of Ebony Jackson (Andra Day), a struggling single mother battling alcoholism and a tumultuous past. Seeking a fresh start, she moves her family into a new home, only to find that the house harbours dark, supernatural forces. As strange occurrences begin to plague the household, Ebony becomes the target of Child Protective Services, who suspect that her unfit parenting might be to blame for the disturbances. As the situation spirals out of control, Ebony realises that her children are being possessed by evil spirits and the family's only hope lies in a deliverance -- essentially, an exorcism. While the film has its strengths, it is not without its flaws, particularly in pacing and execution, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ebony is depicted as a deeply flawed yet relatable character. As a mother of three, she is burdened not only by the responsibility of raising her children alone -- her husband is away fighting in a war --but also by the need to care for her ailing mother Alberta (Glenn Close), who is battling cancer. Ebony's struggle with alcoholism and her unresolved personal demons make her a complex protagonist. While her actions are often frustrating and questionable, Daniels succeeds in making the audience empathise with her plight. Day delivers a powerful performance, capturing Ebony's vulnerability and desperation as she fights to protect her family from both external and internal threats.
The relationship between Ebony and Alberta is one of the film's most compelling aspects. Alberta, a white woman who has a mixed-race child, has a strained and toxic relationship with her daughter. Despite her illness, Alberta maintains a flamboyant lifestyle, dressing provocatively and flaunting her attraction to black men -- a trait that adds a controversial yet intriguing layer to her character. Glenn Close, known for her remarkable performances in films like Fatal Attraction (1987) and Dangerous Liaisons (1988), shines in this role, bringing depth and nuance to Alberta. Her portrayal is a highlight of the film and her scenes with Day are some of the most memorable. Alberta is a character who defies easy categorisation -- she is at once caring and caustic, fragile and formidable. Close's performance is nothing short of a masterclass, and she easily steals every scene she's in.
As for the younger cast, their performances serve the narrative adequately, though they do not reach the same heights as Day and Close. Caleb McLaughlin, known for his role in Stranger Things, plays Nate, the eldest son. Nate is a pivotal character, and McLaughlin handles the emotional demands of his role with competence, particularly in a dramatic scene that allows him to showcase his acting abilities. The youngest child Andre (Anthony B. Jenkins) is the primary target of the demonic forces in the house. Jenkins, along with the other child actors, does his best with the material, though some of the scenes feel stilted, and the direction at times fails to bring out the full potential of their performances.
The Deliverance. imdb.com
Despite being billed as a horror film, The Deliverance is at its core a story about family dynamics and the struggles of single motherhood. The horror elements, while essential to the plot, often take a backseat to the intense drama unfolding between Ebony, her children and Alberta. This focus on drama is where the film truly excels.
However, The Deliverance is not without its shortcomings. The pacing is one of the film's most significant issues. At times, the narrative feels disjointed, with sudden jumps in tone and plot development that can leave the audience feeling unmoored. For instance, the transition from subtle, eerie occurrences in the house to full-blown demonic possession happens abruptly, without the gradual buildup of tension that is crucial in effective horror storytelling. This jump from a slow burn to high stakes can be jarring, disrupting the film's overall flow and leaving certain plot points underdeveloped.
Moreover, while the dramatic elements of the film are compelling, the horror aspects are less successful. Many of the scare tactics employed in The Deliverance feel formulaic and uninspired -- scenes of children staring blankly into corners, speaking to unseen entities or engaging in self-harm are all too familiar in the horror genre. These moments, which should evoke fear, often come across as unintentionally humorous or clichéd. The lack of originality in the horror sequences diminishes the impact of the film's climax, which, despite its intensity, fails to deliver the level of terror one might expect from a supernatural thriller.
The Deliverance is a film that succeeds in its exploration of complex family dynamics and delivers strong performances, particularly from Andra Day and Glenn Close. However, it falters when it comes to its horror elements, which feel underdeveloped and lack the necessary suspense and fear to make a lasting impact. While Lee Daniels demonstrates his versatility as a filmmaker by venturing into a new genre, The Deliverance ultimately highlights the challenges of balancing drama and horror. The film is worth watching for its emotional depth and character development, but those seeking a truly frightening horror experience may find themselves disappointed.
