The Reel Review
A single mother with a criminal record and a history of child abuse must fight for the lives and souls of her family when a demon possesses her three children. Andra Day, Glenn Close and Mo’Nique star in this supernatural horror/thriller from director Lee Daniels.
From its silly dialogue, wildly over-the-top melodrama and gaping plot holes, The Deliverance is one ridiculously bad, unintentional parody of a horror film. Even committed performances from its lead actresses can’t salvage this turd sandwich that can’t decide whether it wants to be about metaphorical demons or literal ones, failing miserably at both. When an also-good Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor appears halfway in as the do-it-yourself exorcist, the film nosedives into stupidity.
Casting a surprisingly game Close as the trashy grandma distracts from the drama in a huge way – albeit hilariously so. Additionally, the practical effects are embarrassingly bad – in one scene where one of the characters is levitating, the cables hoisting her up are clearly visible. Daniels purports that his story is based on real life events. God help us if they bear any resemblance to this hot mess.
REEL FACTS
• The Deliverance is based on the story of Latoya Ammons, who told the IndyStar that she, her mother and three children started experiencing the supernatural after moving into a Gary, Indiana home in November 2011.
• Mo’Nique won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 2009’s Precious – with Daniels receiving a nomination for Best Director.
• Daniels also directed Andra Day in The United States vs Billie Holiday.
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