“The Deliverance” takes a swing at blending supernatural horror with intense family drama, but while it manages to hit a few strong notes, the film ultimately falls short of delivering a truly cohesive experience. Directed by Lee Daniels, the movie showcases the formidable talents of Andra Day, Glenn Close, and an ensemble cast, but despite these powerhouse performances, the film’s narrative struggles to maintain its grip.
Let’s start with the positives: the casting is impeccable. Andra Day, in particular, is a revelation, embodying Ebony Jackson with a raw intensity that grounds the film even when the plot veers off course. Day’s portrayal of a mother grappling with personal demons—both literal and figurative—is nuanced and deeply affecting. Her chemistry with Glenn Close, who plays her overbearing mother Alberta, is electric. The tension between them is palpable, adding layers to their complex, strained relationship.
The young actors, Caleb McLaughlin, Anthony B. Jenkins, and Demi Singleton, also deliver compelling performances. Their portrayals of Ebony’s children are both heartbreaking and haunting, capturing the vulnerability of kids caught in the crossfire of a family in turmoil. Mo’Nique, too, shines in her role as the no-nonsense social worker, adding a layer of grit and realism to the proceedings.
However, despite these strong performances, “The Deliverance” is weighed down by its uneven storytelling. The first half of the film builds a solid foundation, painting a vivid picture of a family on the edge. The domestic drama is gripping, with Daniels’ direction allowing the characters’ struggles to resonate deeply. Unfortunately, as the supernatural elements begin to take center stage, the film loses its footing.
The shift from psychological tension to outright supernatural occurrences feels jarring and unearned. What starts as a compelling exploration of trauma, addiction, and familial bonds slowly morphs into a supernatural thriller that struggles to justify its own existence. The actual unexplainable elements are introduced too late and with little subtlety, leaving the audience more puzzled than scared. The once-tight narrative starts to unravel, with plot points feeling rushed and underdeveloped.
Moreover, certain characters, despite being brilliantly portrayed, feel underutilized or unnecessary to the story’s overall arc. Tasha Smith’s role, for instance, while well-acted, seems to serve little purpose other than to add runtime to an already long film. Similarly, Mehki Phifer’s character feels tacked on, adding little to the narrative and distracting from the central story of Ebony and her children.
The third act, in particular, is where the film falters the most. As the supernatural forces ramp up, so does the confusion and seriousness of the film. The climax feels rushed, with crucial plot details either glossed over or left unexplained. The film’s attempt to blend genres results in a disjointed conclusion that undermines the emotional investment built up in the first half.
One of the film’s biggest flaws is its failure to fully explore the real-life events it’s based on. The true story behind “The Deliverance” is chilling and complex, but the film takes liberties that ultimately dilute its impact. The ending, in particular, feels unsatisfactory—Ebony’s sudden transformation into the family’s savior feels unearned, given her struggles throughout the film. The resolution is too quick, too neat, and leaves the viewer feeling cheated out of a more thoughtful conclusion.
In the end, “The Deliverance” is a film with great potential as Lee Daniels proves once again that he can pull together a phenomenal cast in yet another film that doesn’t quite live up to its promise. It’s a visually engaging movie with standout performances that, unfortunately, are let down by a script that tries to do too much. While it offers moments of genuine tension and emotional depth, the film’s inability to seamlessly integrate its horror elements with its domestic drama ultimately makes it a frustrating watch.
For those who are fans of the genre or are drawn to stories based on real events, “The Deliverance” might still be worth a watch. Just be prepared for a film that, while ambitious, leaves much to be desired in its execution. Lee Daniels has certainly created something worth talking about, but whether it’s for the right reasons is up for debate.