Haunted by History: Andra Day Stars in Netflix’s ‘The Deliverance’—A True Story of Spiritual Warfare Friday 23 August, 2024
THE DELIVERANCE is a Netflix film inspired by the real-life paranormal experiences of Latoya Ammons, who reported haunting occurrences in Gary, Indiana, back in 2011. Directed by Lee Daniels, known for his acclaimed work on “Empire” and the Oscar-winning film “Precious,” this marks his first foray into the horror-thriller genre, featuring the Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique from “Precious.”
This film showcases a powerhouse cast, including Andra Day, who won an Oscar for her role in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” and Glenn Close, a multiple Academy Award nominee famed for her roles in classics like 101 Dalmatians, Fatal Attraction, and The Stepford Wives. The casting reflects a fascinating mix of talents, from singing to comedy, adding depth to this chilling narrative. Additionally, Caleb McLaughlin, known from Netflix’s hit series “Stranger Things,” joins the cast, further enhancing the film’s connection to the supernatural.
THE DELIVERANCE follows the story of Ebony (Andra Day), a struggling single mother of three—played by Anthony B. Jenkins, Caleb McLaughlin, and Demi Singleton—who has just relocated to a new home that appears to be haunted. Set in 2011, the film mirrors the real events in Gary, Indiana, as it explores the intense struggles of a mother caught in a cycle of poverty and hardship, reminiscent of themes from “Precious.”
Ebony’s husband is away, serving in Iraq, leaving her to navigate life with her children. Her estranged mother, Alberta (Glenn Close), moves in to help, but their toxic relationship complicates matters. Their exchanges are filled with tension and past grievances, revealing the struggles both women face in their roles as mothers.
Mo’Nique plays Cynthia, a strict and authoritative social worker, embodying a role that is the complete opposite of her Oscar-winning character in “Precious.” This time, she is responsible for ensuring Ebony’s (Day) stability as the young woman navigates her family’s escalating crises. Simultaneously, Cynthia faces tense and confrontational interactions with Alberta (Close) while observing the family dynamics as a whole.
Reverend Bernice James (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) enters the scene as a spiritual guide who, despite not being an exorcist, offers her assistance to Ebony’s family as they confront the paranormal forces at play. Ellis-Taylor’s experience in the supernatural genre, notably her role in HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” adds credibility to her character’s expertise.
The film deep dives into themes of generational and spiritual warfare. Ebony’s struggles with her children manifest in verbal confrontations, showcasing the frustrations of a family haunted not only by spirits but also by their interpersonal conflicts.
The youngest child, Andre (Anthony B. Jenkins), begins to interact with an imaginary friend, a classic horror trope that evokes comparisons to films like Poltergeist, The Omen, and The Exorcist. His peculiar behavior, including excessive milk consumption and strange conversations, begins to influence his siblings, escalating the tension and paranormal activity within the household.
Exploring themes of haunted houses, spiritual possession, and the necessity of faith for overcoming curses, THE DELIVERANCE draws inspiration from classics like The Conjuring and The Exorcist. The tagline, “every family has its demons,” invites viewers to interpret the film on multiple levels—either as a horror film with exorcistic elements or as a commentary on generational curses.
The relationship between Ebony (Day) and Alberta (Close) reflects a maternal generational curse, further complicated by Alberta’s flirtations with Black men, which have impacted her parenting of her biracial daughter. Alberta’s personal demons may have been passed down to Ebony, leading to strained relationships with her own children and perpetuating a cycle of generational poverty. Despite their maternal disconnect, Alberta and Ebony share more similarities than one might expect, as both are hospital workers navigating their challenges.
However, Ebony appears determined to break the family curse more actively than her mother did, striving to provide stability and safety for her children, taking accountability for their pain, and even caring for her mother’s health despite the many physical and emotional traumas Alberta inflicted on her. This dynamic suggests that the family’s struggles arise not only from supernatural influences but also from socio-economic hardships, negligent parenting, and the resentment that can emerge from these experiences.
It seems that Ebony is battling both the household demons and her generational challenges simultaneously. The film presents a powerful narrative about breaking cycles of trauma and striving for personal redemption.
Thanks to filmmakers like Jordan Peele, THE DELIVERANCE stands as a significant addition to the horror genre, featuring a predominantly Black cast and showcasing the depth and complexity of their stories.
After watching The Deliverance, viewers should be encouraged to research the real-life paranormal experiences of Latoya Ammons, known as the “Ammons haunting case” on Wikipedia, which loosely inspired the film. In December 2011, in Gary, Indiana, Latoya Ammons reported unsettling paranormal activity involving her three children, who allegedly levitated, spoke in unnatural demonic voices, and even climbed backward up walls. This all began with swarms of black flies that repeatedly appeared during the cold winter months in which later on the home was called the 200 Demons House or The Demon House by reporters.
It is uncommon to see documented accounts of paranormal experiences involving African American individuals and families, making it significant to have this true story represented on screen by Lee Daniels. This portrayal highlights that black people can and do experience paranormal events, challenging the perception that such occurrences are limited to certain demographics.
TRAILER
SYNOPSIS
Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children. Inspired by a true story, THE DELIVERANCE is directed by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and stars Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Mo’Nique in a genre-defying take on darkness, possession, and finding a higher power.
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THE DELIVERANCE
In Select Theaters August 16, 2024
On Netflix August 30, 2024
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