Lee Daniel's "The Deliverance" A Movie Review

Hey there, movie buffs! This is my very first movie review and I want to diving into the wild ride that is "The Deliverance", Lee Daniels' latest cinematic concoction. Premiering theatrically on August 16, 2024, and landing on Netflix August 30, 2024, this film promises a rollercoaster of supernatural shenanigans and star-studded performances. Buckle up as we break down this chaotic gem that’s equal parts hilarious and bewildering.

So, the Plot which is a Portal to hell. Sets in the sleepy town of Gary, Indiana (yes, the very place that birthed the Jackson family), The Deliverance weaves a tale of a family dealing with bizarre and demonic disturbances in their new home. Based on purportedly true events, (which I might write about in a later date) the film follows Ebony (played by Andra Day), a mother grappling with addiction and the challenges of raising three children, all while strange occurrences plague their house. The plot takes a dark turn as the family suspects their new abode is a gateway to hell.

The film’s ensemble cast is nothing short of extraordinary. Andra Day shines as Ebony, delivering a performance that oscillates between heartfelt and frantic. Joining her is the inimitable Glenn Close as Alberta, Ebony’s mother. Close’s portrayal of Alberta is a tour de force of over-the-top theatrics. Whether she's rolling on the floor or delivering lines with such intensity that you might wonder if she's channeling a different plane of existence, Close’s performance is a spectacle to behold.

Monique, reunited with Daniels after Precious, plays Cynthia, a Child Protective Services representative caught in the crossfire of the family’s supernatural drama. Her role adds a layer of comedic relief to the film’s otherwise heavy atmosphere. Not to be overlooked, Anjanue Ellis-Taylor steps in as Reverend Bernice James, a controversial figure with a dubious track record in exorcisms—or, as the film prefers to call them, “deliverances.”

From the moment the film begins, it’s clear that Daniels is going all out. The narrative is a rollercoaster of supernatural events that includes flies, strange odors, and a haunted basement. As the youngest child, Andre (played by Anthony B. Jenkins), begins exhibiting unsettling behavior, things spiral out of control. We’re treated to scenes of him speaking in tongues, banging his head against doors, and even engaging in some truly shocking acts at school.

The plot thickens when we discover that Reverend Bernice James, who once performed a failed deliverance on a previous family, is now trying to help Ebony’s family. I would have second guessed Ms. Bernice because how u failed a deliverance and now you want to try again with my baby. But the film’s final act erupts into a full-blown exorcism, or rather, a “deliverance,” featuring CGI effects that range from laughable to cringe-worthy. The demon, now apparently taking over Glenn Close’s body, is both terrifying and unintentionally hilarious. She definitely deserves an award for this role.

The special effects, particularly in the climactic exorcism scenes, often fall short, veering into the realm of low-budget horror. Yet, this only adds to the film’s charm. If you’ve ever enjoyed a cult classic for its unintentional comedy, this film’s over-the-top moments will surely tickle your funny bone.

The Deliverance is a wild ride that blends horror with campy fun. If you’re a fan of movies where the line between scary and ridiculous blurs, this film is for you. The cast’s powerful performances, especially those of Glenn Close and Monique, are worth the watch, even if the film itself is a bit of a hot mess.

Did you enjoy the chaos as much as I did? Let’s keep the conversation going.

Catch you at the movies!