“The Deliverance” could have been a compelling domestic drama, delving into the harsh realities of addiction, poverty, and racism—themes that director Lee Daniels has expertly explored in the past. With his acclaimed work like “Precious” (2009), Daniels established himself as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle difficult subjects through complex characters and raw, emotional storytelling. His knack for capturing the intricacies of human suffering and resilience shines through in films like “The Paperboy” and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.”
With an impressive cast featuring Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Mo’Nique, “The Deliverance” had the potential to be another powerful entry in Daniels’ filmography. However, instead of staying focused on the gritty, real-world issues at its core, Daniels veers into horror territory, resulting in a film that feels like two different movies awkwardly stitched together.
A Jarring Transition to Horror
The first half of “The Deliverance” is where the film truly shines, presenting Andra Day as Ebony, a single mother battling her own demons while struggling to raise three children and care for her ailing mother. Day brings an intense, immediate presence to the role, making Ebony’s fight to stay sober and hold her family together deeply affecting. The domestic drama unfolds with a visceral, captivating and unsettling authenticity.
However, the film loses its footing when it shifts gears from a powerful drama to a more traditional horror movie. The supernatural elements—complete with demonic possession and eerie visuals—feel like they belong in a different film altogether. The scares, including children climbing walls and bodies twisting in unnatural ways, are overly familiar, lacking the originality and emotional depth that Daniels typically brings to his work.
Missed Opportunities and Unconvincing Horror
What’s disappointing is that the horror elements detract from the film’s stronger aspects. Mo’Nique, as a concerned Child Protective Services agent, and Glenn Close, as Ebony’s brash, chain-smoking mother, deliver standout performances that are grounded in reality. Their characters navigate the complexities of family dysfunction with nuance and care, but their efforts are overshadowed by the film’s insistence on following a conventional horror path.
Even when the supernatural elements are introduced, the film is more compelling when it explores Ebony’s metaphorical demons rather than the literal ones. There is a fascinating ambiguity in the early parts of the movie, where it’s unclear whether the threats are real or products of Ebony’s troubled mind. This tension is far more engaging than the standard horror fare that follows.
A Disjointed Conclusion
As “The Deliverance” hurtles towards its conclusion, the shift in tone becomes increasingly jarring. Daniels, known for his bold and often risky storytelling, seems to play it safe here, relying on overused horror tropes instead of pushing the boundaries of the genre. The visual effects, which should heighten the horror, fall flat, and the film’s final moments, are intended to offer a sense of hope, but they feel rushed and out of place.
In the end, “The Deliverance” fails to deliver on the promise of its premise. While the film contains moments of brilliance, particularly in portraying a family in crisis, it is ultimately undone by its uneven tone and uninspired horror elements. Lee Daniels has proven himself to be a master of drama, but in trying to blend it with horror, he loses the sharpness and intensity that make his films so compelling.
Watch “The Deliverance” on Netflix now.