The Deliverance: A Haunting True Story That Struggles to Connect
Lee Daniels' latest film, The Deliverance, now streaming on Netflix, attempts to dramatize one of the most controversial and bizarre stories of alleged demonic possession in recent history. Based on the true events surrounding Latoya Ammons and her family's harrowing experiences in Gary, Indiana, the film aims to blend horror and faith in a way that is both thrilling and spiritually resonant. But does it succeed? Let's dive deep into the story, its portrayal, and where the film both hits and misses the mark.
The Real Story of Latoya Ammons: Demons on Carolina Street
In December 2011, Latoya Ammons, along with her mother Rosa Campbell and her three children, moved into a rental home on Carolina Street in Gary, Indiana. Almost immediately, they began experiencing unsettling phenomena that would eventually lead them to believe that their home was infested with malevolent spirits. Swarms of black flies that inexplicably survived the winter, disembodied footsteps, and shadowy figures were just the beginning. The chilling events escalated to physical attacks on the children, including levitation, being thrown across rooms, and speaking in deep, unnaturally mature voices.
Medical professionals, social workers, and even police officers who became involved in the case reported witnessing some of the eerie events firsthand. However, skepticism abounded, with some attributing the family's experiences to psychological issues or outright fabrication. By April 2012, concerns about the well-being of the children led to them being temporarily placed in the custody of the Indiana Department of Child Services. It was during this tumultuous period that Rev. Michael Maginot, a local priest, performed three major exorcisms on Ammons in an effort to rid her and her children of the supposed demonic influences.
How ‘The Deliverance’ Depicts the Ammons Haunting
The Deliverance takes this incredible true story and reimagines it through the lens of the fictional Jackson family, led by Ebony Jackson, portrayed by Andra Day. Directed by Lee Daniels, the film opens with a title card declaring that it is "inspired by true events," setting the stage for a dramatic retelling that is part horror, part faith-based thriller.
Daniels, known for his previous work on Precious and The Butler, collaborates with screenwriters Elijah Bynum and David Coggeshall to deliver a story that is heavy on atmosphere but often light on coherence. Set in Pittsburgh rather than Gary, Indiana, the film weaves in a range of alterations, such as making Ebony’s mother, Alberta (played by Glenn Close), a white woman—a creative choice Daniels explained as a way to explore themes of race and familial dynamics in a unique context.
The Strengths: A Talented Cast and a Unique Perspective
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One of the most compelling aspects of The Deliverance is its impressive cast. Andra Day brings a raw vulnerability to her role as Ebony, a single mother grappling with forces beyond her understanding. Glenn Close, Mo'Nique, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor round out the ensemble, delivering performances that, while occasionally feeling out of sync with the material, showcase their undeniable talent.
The film also attempts to differentiate itself from standard possession narratives by emphasizing faith and redemption rather than pure terror. Daniels has described the film as his "faith-based thriller," aiming to reconnect audiences with spirituality through fear. In many ways, this approach sets The Deliverance apart from other films in the genre, like The Conjuring series, by focusing less on the exorcism itself and more on the concept of "deliverance"—a holistic spiritual liberation rather than a mere banishment of demons.
The Weaknesses: Narrative Inconsistencies and Missed Opportunities
However, The Deliverance often falters under the weight of its ambitions. While the source material offers a wealth of chilling, real-world drama, the film's narrative meanders, struggling to maintain a coherent tone. At times, it feels unsure whether it wants to be a psychological drama, a supernatural horror, or a religious parable. The result is a film that, despite its strong cast and intriguing premise, fails to fully deliver on its potential.
Much of this can be attributed to the screenplay, which seems caught between staying true to the bizarre specifics of the Latoya Ammons story and the creative liberties that Daniels employs to craft his vision. The decision to depict the exorcism as a "deliverance" in the Jacksons' home rather than a traditional church setting might have been intended to make the film more personal and intimate, but it often comes across as muddled and confusing.
Moreover, the film’s pacing issues, and lack of genuine scares can leave horror fans feeling underwhelmed. While there are moments of tension—such as Anthony B. Jenkins’ unsettling portrayal of Ebony’s possessed son—these are few and far between. Instead, the film relies heavily on its thematic aspirations, which, while noble, are not always clearly articulated or executed. Another significant criticism of The Deliverance is its inconsistent pacing and muddled storytelling, which left many viewers feeling lost and disconnected from the narrative. Despite the film's chilling premise and potential for a gripping horror experience, the plot often meanders, losing its tension and failing to deliver sustained scares. The film's attempt to blend horror with social commentary also comes across as heavy-handed and disjointed, detracting from the authenticity of the characters' experiences. Critics have pointed out that the screenplay doesn't fully explore the complexities of the real-life events or the emotional turmoil of the Ammons family, instead opting for superficial thrills and predictable plot twists. This lack of depth and nuance leaves the film feeling more like a collection of horror clichés than a thoughtful retelling of a deeply unsettling true story.
The True Story vs. The Deliverance: What’s Real and What’s Fiction?
Like many "based on a true story" horror film, The Deliverance takes significant liberties with the real events of the Ammons case. Key elements, such as the racial dynamics of the family and the specific nature of the exorcisms, have been reimagined or entirely fabricated for dramatic effect. This creative freedom allows Daniels to explore broader themes, but it also distances the film from the eerie authenticity that made the real-life story so compelling.
Interestingly, Daniels chose not to delve too deeply into the specifics of Ammons' life, despite speaking with her early in the production process. This decision, while perhaps respectful of Ammons’ privacy, results in a narrative that feels disconnected from the deeper, more unsettling truths of the case.
Final Verdict: A Flawed Yet Ambitious Take on Real-Life Horror
The Deliverance is a film that aims high but ultimately falls short of its goals. Its portrayal of the Latoya Ammons story, while unique in its approach, is marred by narrative inconsistencies and a lack of focus that detracts from its emotional and spiritual core. For viewers seeking a straightforward horror experience, the film’s meandering plot and underdeveloped scares may be a disappointment. However, for those interested in a more nuanced, if flawed, exploration of faith and familial bonds in the face of unimaginable adversity, The Deliverance offers a perspective that is rarely seen in the genre.
Lee Daniels’ The Deliverance serves as a reminder of the complexity and subjectivity inherent in true-story adaptations. It might not be the scariest film on Netflix, but it does prompt viewers to consider the fine line between belief and skepticism—a theme that, much like the real-life Ammons case, continues to captivate and confound.