Dive into the chilling inspiration behind Netflix’s latest horror flick, 'The Deliverance,' and discover why even directors' moms get scared!
When it comes to horror movies, the deeper the scare, the better! Lee Daniels’ new Netflix thriller, "The Deliverance," takes this to heart by exploring the sinister world of demonic possession paired with the emotional turmoil of family dynamics. Inspired by the spine-chilling real-life events that rocked Indiana in 2011, it follows the Jackson family who reportedly experienced horrifying supernatural encounters. But with shadowy figures and an army of black flies buzzing around, one has to wonder: is it just the family drama that’s in the air or something more sinister?
What adds an intriguing layer to this cinematic experience is the story of Latoya Ammons, a mother who claimed not only to face supernatural terrors but also alleged demonic possession along with her three children. Daniels artfully intertwines the fears of a mother wanting to protect her kids from evil forces with the realism of their haunting experiences. This recipe for suspense brings a chilling touch to the film, ensuring that horror aficionados will be left gasping, gripping their popcorn, and maybe even contemplating a move to safer neighborhoods!
However, despite the high expectations and the seasoned backdrop of Daniels—who previously directed acclaimed films like "Precious" and "The Butler"—some critics feel "The Deliverance" fails to deliver on both horror and substance. Reviews point out that while the film tries to balance the simplistic scares of a demonic-possession plot and the profound emotional struggles of its characters, it ultimately struggles to execute both effectively. It’s as if Daniels mixed two wildly different ingredients hoping to cook up a perfect dish, only to end up with a slightly burnt one!
Even Daniels’ own mother was anxious about his choice to dive into the horror genre—it's probably not too often a parent worries about their child coaxing out demons on screen! Their conversations likely spiraled from the typical ‘what did you learn in school today’ to ‘please don’t engage with any spirits, honey!’ The playful fusion of personal fears and cinematic storytelling creates a riveting context and gives the audience more comic relief amidst the horror.
For those that appreciate the lore behind such films, here's an intriguing fact: demonic possession as a theme has fascinated audiences for decades, ever since the monumental success of "The Exorcist". Moreover, the real-life inspiration behind "The Deliverance" holds its own unique position, adding a touch of horror that resonates with many, proving once again that truth can be stranger than fiction!
And here's something more to chew on – the film stands as a reminder that while we may entertain ourselves with stories about demons, family dynamics are what truly haunt us. So as you grab your popcorn (and maybe a holy water blessed drink), prepare for a wild ride of both terror and heartfelt moments. Harvey Specter might say, 'The x-factor was missing,' but for ghostbusters like you and me, this might just hit the right emotional notes—guilt and haunting enough to make it compelling!
Lee Daniels' new demonic possession thriller was inspired by an alleged haunting that took place in Indiana in 2011.
Evil supernatural spirits are just one-half of the horrors the Jackson family has to deal with in Lee Daniels' Netflix thriller “The Deliverance.” The other ...
A mother in Indiana claimed that she and her three children were bedeviled by shadowy figures and swarms of black flies — and possessed by demons.
'The Deliverance' filmmaker Lee Daniels' mother was very worried about him directing a horror movie.
But he's taken all that promise and tacked a standard horror story about demonic possession onto it. He's trying to slam two different movies together, with ...
The director of Precious and The Butler struggles to pull off either the basic scares of its demonic-possession plot or the deeper ideas lurking within it.
Longtime "The Exorcist" fan Lee Daniels brings faith and empathy to "The Deliverance," which was inspired by Latoya Ammons' haunting story of possession.
Loved 'The Exorcist'? Allow me to introduce Andra Day's terrifying new faith-based thriller, 'The Deliverance,' now streaming on Netflix.