Lee Daniels’ ‘The Deliverance’: A haunting exploration of inner demons
A filmmaker’s journey through extremes
Lee Daniels, known for his flamboyant and often over-the-top style, has always been a polarizing figure in the world of cinema. While some of his works have been criticized for their garishness, others have showcased his undeniable talent. “The Deliverance”, his sixth feature film, is a testament to this duality. As a fan of his previous works like Precious, The Paperboy, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday, I approached this new release with a mix of anticipation and skepticism.
A familiar yet unique setting
Set in Pittsburgh in 2011, “The Deliverance” revolves around a family that moves into a seemingly haunted house. The film opens with the classic horror trope of flies buzzing around, a device that feels a bit dated and overused. However, what sets this film apart is its focus on the family’s dynamics, a hallmark of Daniels’ storytelling.
The family at the heart of the horror
Andra Day, who previously delivered a powerful performance as Billie Holiday, stars as Ebony, a single mother struggling to raise her three children: Shante (Demi Singleton), Nate (Caleb McLaughlin), and young Dre (Anthony B. Jenkins). The family’s financial struggles and Ebony’s frayed nerves create a tense atmosphere even before the supernatural elements come into play.
Ebony’s character is complex and multifaceted. Unlike the typical innocent heroine of horror films, she is portrayed as a deeply flawed individual. Her temper, which has landed her in jail, and her struggles with alcohol add layers to her character. One particularly striking scene shows her smacking Dre at the dinner table, highlighting her internal demons and the pressures she faces.
Social commentary through horror
Daniels uses Ebony’s character to explore broader themes of economic and racial oppression. The film doesn’t excuse her behavior but provides context for her actions. Andra Day’s portrayal of Ebony is both raw and powerful, capturing the character’s misery and resilience.
Mo’Nique, who previously worked with Daniels in Precious, plays a DCS officer overseeing Ebony. Her character adds another layer of tension, constantly scrutinizing Ebony’s actions and threatening to take her children away.
Glenn Close’s standout performance
One of the most memorable performances in “The Deliverance” comes from Glenn Close, who plays Berta, Ebony’s mother. Berta is a reformed junkie undergoing chemotherapy, and her character is a mix of flamboyance and vulnerability. Close’s portrayal is both entertaining and nuanced, adding depth to the film.
The supernatural elements
As the story progresses, the children begin exhibiting strange behaviors, blurring the lines between domestic abuse and supernatural possession. This ambiguity is one of the film’s strengths, keeping the audience guessing about the true nature of the horror.
However, once the supernatural elements take center stage, the film falls back on familiar tropes. The arrival of an exorcist, or rather an apostle played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, leads to a series of predictable horror sequences. While these scenes are well-executed, they lack the originality that Daniels brings to the film’s more grounded moments.
A battle against inner demons
The film’s climax sees Ebony confronting her own demons, both literal and metaphorical. This confrontation is a powerful metaphor for her internal struggles, but it also highlights the limitations of the horror genre’s traditional tropes. The real horror in “The Deliverance” lies not in the supernatural but in the very real pressures and traumas faced by its characters.
Final thoughts
“The Deliverance” is a film that showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of Lee Daniels as a filmmaker. While it falls into some of the traps of the horror genre, its portrayal of a family’s struggles and the social commentary woven into the narrative make it a compelling watch. For fans of Daniels’ previous works, this film offers a mix of familiar themes and new explorations, making it a worthy addition to his filmography.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer here.