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## "The Deliverance": A Descent into Cinematic Chaos

 

Lee Daniels' "The Deliverance," a horror film that landed on Netflix in late 2023, is an ambitious project that unfortunately falls short of its potential.  The film, loosely based on the real-life story of Latoya Ammons and her children, who claimed to be possessed by demons in Gary, Indiana, boasts a star-studded cast and a high-concept premise that promises to deliver chills and thrills.  However, "The Deliverance" ultimately fails to deliver on either front, instead delivering a convoluted, tonally inconsistent narrative that veers wildly between melodrama, social commentary, and supernatural horror.

## "The Deliverance": A Descent into Cinematic Chaos

The film's

narrative is set in 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Ebony Jackson (Andra Day), a struggling single mother of three children, struggles to make ends meet and keep her family safe from an evil spirit that seems to have taken up residence in their new home. Ebony's struggles are further amplified by the absence of her husband, who has filed for custody of the children.

 

The film's cast is a mixed bag,

 with some performances standing out while others fall flat. Andra Day, known for her powerful vocals and dramatic presence, delivers a nuanced performance as Ebony, capturing the character's strength and vulnerability with aplomb. Mo'Nique, returning to the screen after a years-long hiatus, is both captivating and unsettling as Cynthia, a social worker tasked with investigating the family's situation. However, her character's arc feels underdeveloped, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

 

Glenn Close, who plays Alberta, Ebony's overbearing and somewhat unhinged mother, delivers a performance that is both over-the-top and strangely compelling. Alberta's portrayal as a stereotypical "white woman" who clings to her perceived racial superiority while simultaneously seeking out a younger Black man feels like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of race and class in a more nuanced way. While the film attempts to address the systemic racism and inequality faced by Black families, these themes feel more like afterthoughts than integral elements of the narrative.

 

The film's horror elements

 are equally problematic.  While the premise of a demonic possession is inherently unsettling, the execution is largely predictable and uninspired. The film relies heavily on jump scares and cheap horror tropes, failing to create a sense of true dread or suspense. The visuals, while occasionally striking, often feel amateurish and overly stylized, further undermining the film's credibility.

 

Moreover, "The Deliverance" suffers from a lack of focus and a confusing narrative structure. The film attempts to juggle multiple storylines, including Ebony's struggles with her children, the investigation into the alleged demonic possession, and Alberta's own personal issues, but ultimately fails to tie these threads together coherently. The film's pacing is also uneven, with scenes that drag on for too long followed by jarringly abrupt transitions.

 

Despite its flaws

 "The Deliverance" offers glimpses of potential, particularly in its exploration of the challenges faced by Black families and the systemic barriers they face in a society that often fails to understand or address their struggles.  However, these themes are ultimately overshadowed by the film's chaotic narrative, inconsistent tone, and lack of genuine horror.

 

The film's ultimate failure lies in its inability to deliver on its premise. While "The Deliverance" attempts to address a sensitive and important issue, it does so in a way that is ultimately superficial and exploitative. The film's reliance on stereotypes, its lack of focus, and its poor execution ultimately make it a disappointment, leaving viewers with a sense of frustration and confusion rather than the intended chills and thrills.

 

"The Deliverance"

 is a film that begs to be taken seriously, but ultimately fails to live up to its potential.  It is a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of race, class, and faith in a more nuanced and engaging way.  While the film offers a glimpse into the realities of many Black families in America, its shortcomings ultimately outweigh its strengths.  "The Deliverance" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition without execution.  It is a film that is destined to be forgotten, a reminder that even with a star-studded cast and a compelling premise, a film can still be a failure.