Andra Day is Spectacular in Lee Daniels Horror/Thriller The Deliverance

When The Exorcist and Hereditary hit screens audiences lost their minds over satanic content given a large stage via the silver screen.  Yet, each and every time these stories are shared it is always via the lens of individuals who are not people of color – with the exception of a few films along the way like Blacula, Vampire in Brooklyn, US, Black Box, Candyman and Antebellum to name a few.

Now, Lee Daniels has brought The Deliverance to Netflix (not to be confused with the 70’s film staring Burt Reynolds). Inspired by the true story of Latoya Ammons and her family. According to the IndyStar, Ammons moved in November 2011 with her three children, discover strange, demonic occurrences that convince them and the community the house is a portal to hell.

But, before we get into the logistics of this film, let’s address the obvious.  For a few years, there seemed to be an intense rift between filmmaker Daniels and Oscar winner Mo’Nique resulting from pay and promotion issues for their film Precious.  Well, thank goodness they resolved their differences.  Mo’Nique, as the social worker with a heart smart mouth – Cynthia Henry, reminds audiences of why she won the Oscar in the first place.  As does Andra Day, who worked with Daniels on her Academy Award nominated role as Billie Holiday in The United States vs Billie Holiday.  One of the best moments comes from a heartfelt scene between Ebony and Alberta about their children which will make your heart melt.

All of the children (Demi Singleton, Caleb McLaughlin and Anthony B. Jenkins) are great led by Andra Day. Day is a pure revelation going to depths even more intense than when she inhabited Lady Day proving that her star power is here to stary.  But, the surprise and most intriguing performance comes from eight time Oscar nominated actress Glenn Close as Ebony’s mother Alberta.  Close gives Alberta gives so many layers, while making her a vibrant, sexy woman of a certain age refusing to lay down and give up even though her health is failing. Looking like a hood rat version of Norma Desmond, Close has a line that is disturbing at best when she becomes possessed by the spirit.  I won’t mention it here, but in a recent interview, Lee Daniels defended his screenwriting choice simply stating, “…had to do it.” Y’all are not ready for this version of Glenn Close, but baby every Black family has a relative like Alberta. Colorful, Crass and delicious in every sense of the word.

Are there horror tropes?  Absolutely.  What horror film doesn’t have them.  But, the fact that this film is totally inspired by a true story of Black family is most intriguing.  We, as audience members, only hear of these types on incidents with other sectors of society and hardly with us.  Are there some moments that will have your jaw dropped- of course, but The Deliverance will surely becomes a horror/thriller cult classic in a genre mostly void of color.