Netflix The Deliverance film review A detailed critique

Briefing of Netflix's "The Deliverance": A Film with High Hope but Lacking Execution

Introduction:

An Anticipated Horror Film Netflix's "The Deliverance," directed by Lee Daniels, is a horror movie that garnered much attention due to its star-studded cast and the highly publicized reunion between Daniels and Mo'Nique, who had previously reconciled after a long-standing feud. The film features notable actors such as Andra Day, Mo'Nique, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Omar Epps, among others. The movie is loosely based on the real-life story of Latoya Ammons and her family, who claimed to be possessed by demons in Gary, Indiana, during the early 2010's. However, despite its promising premise, the film fails to deliver a compelling horror experience, leaving viewers with more questions than satisfaction.

Initial Expectations and Disappointments:

Going into the film, expectations were mixed, particularly given the previous horror collaboration between Daniels and Mo'Nique in The reading. While the cast attracted interest, the writing and plot of The Deliverance quickly revealed themselves to be weak points. The film's religious framing and the lack of the cohesive storyline resulted in a viewing experience that was more confusing than terrifying. The audience's initial reactions were filled with disappointment, particularly because the movie failed to build suspense or deliver genuine scares.

Plot Overview:

A Bizarre and Disjointed Narrative Set in Pittsburgh in 2011, The Deliverance follows Ebony Jackson (played by Andra Day), a struggling single mother of three who moves into a house haunted by an evil spirit. The family is supported by Ebony's mother Alberta (Glenn Close), a character who is described as a caricature of a familiar white woman trope. Mo'Nique plays Cynthia, a social worker checking in on the family, while Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor portrays Reverend Bernice James, who attempts to help the family exorcise their demons.

Despite the film's attempt to blend horror with a narrative about possession and spiritual warfare, the execution falls flat. The plot is riddled with inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult for viewers to engage with the story. The movie's religious elements, instead of adding depth, become tedious, leading to an overall lackluster horror experience.

Character Performances: 

Wasted Potential Despite the film's shortcomings, some performances stand out, particularly Andra Day's portrayal of Ebony. Day brings a strong performance to her role, despite the weak material she has to work with Similarly, Anthony B. Jenkins, who plays Ebony's youngest son Dre, delivers a convincing and chilling performance when his character becomes possessed. However, the other cast members, including Caleb McLaughlin and Demi Singleton, are underutilized, with their characters lacking development and depth.

Glenn Close's character, Alberta, is particularly problematic. Close, a highly respected actress, is miscast in a role that borders on parody. Alberta's exaggerated mannerisms and ridiculous costume choices, such as a blong wig and revealing outfits, make her a caricature rather than a believable character. Her subplot involving a romantic relationship with Omar Epps' character adds nothing to the story and only serves to further detract from the film's credibility.

Mo'Nique's portrayal of Cynthia, the social worker, is another missed opportunity. Her character behaves more like a menacing loan shark than a concerned professional, which makes her actions difficult to take seriously. This depiction of a social worker as a borderline criminal is not only unrealistic but also undermines the film's attempt to portray serious themes of family and trauma.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor:

A Talent Wasted Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who plays Reverend Bernice James, is an actress known for her powerful performances. However, in The Deliverance, her character is introduced in a confusing and disjointed manner, with little context or explanation. Bernice's role in the story is unclear, and her eventual death during an exorcism scene feels rushed and unearned. Ellis-Taylor's talents are squandered in a role that offers her little to work with and fails to utilize her full potential as an actress.

Special Effects and Scares:

A Few Bright Spots While the film is largely a disappointment, there are a few moments where the special effects shine. Scenes such as Dre walking up a hospital wall backward and Ebony's body contorting in unnatural ways are visually striking and offer brief glimpses of the horror the film could have delivered. However, these moments are too few and far between to salvage the overall experience. The film's attempts at jump scares and suspense largely fall flat, leaving viewers wanting more.

Conclusion:

A Disjointed and Unfulfilling Horror Experience The Deliverance is a film that promised much but delivered little. Despite its star-studded cast and the intriguing true story on which it is loosely based, the film fails to come together in a meaningful way. The weak plot, underdeveloped characters, and lack of genuine scares make for a frustrating viewing experience. The film's few strong performances and special effects moments are overshadowed by the overall disjointedness of the narrative.

In the end, The Deliverance is a movie that raises more questions than it answers, leaving viewers unsatisfied and wondering how such a film ever made it to the screen. The film serves as a reminder that even a talented cast and an intriguing premise are not enough to save a poorly executed story.

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