Lee Daniels’ much-anticipated horror film, The Deliverance, has finally landed on Netflix, and if you’re a fan of the genre, you’ve probably been eager to check it out. Horror is a genre with a passionate following, but let’s be honest—finding a standout horror movie isn’t always easy. The trailer for The Deliverance promised something chilling and intense, leading us to believe it could be a compelling addition to Netflix’s horror lineup. But does it deliver?
With a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes, The Deliverance might feel a bit lengthy for a horror flick, but we didn’t let that deter us. In this review, we’ll help you decide whether this film is worth your time. If you’re on the fence, keep reading!
Glenn Close Shines in The Deliverance
One thing that immediately sets The Deliverance apart is its claim of being inspired by true events—a detail that’s sure to intrigue many viewers. At its core, the movie is more than just a horror story; it’s a family drama focused on Ebony, a single mother of three, who has invited her own mother, Alberta, to live with them. However, from the tense opening dinner scene, it’s clear that this family is far from harmonious.
Glenn Close and Andra Day are standout choices for the roles of Alberta and Ebony, respectively. Their performances, particularly in the mother-daughter tension, are some of the film’s strongest points. In fact, the drama between them is so compelling that it sometimes overshadows the horror elements, leaving us to wonder if the movie might have worked better as a straight-up drama rather than a supernatural thriller.
A Mix of Horror and Family Drama
The movie delves deep into themes of generational trauma and the complex, often volatile, relationship between Ebony and her children—a relationship that at times even turns violent. The family drama is so gripping that you might forget you’re watching a horror movie until the first jump scare jolts you back to reality.
When the supernatural elements do come into play, they center around a demonic possession that targets Ebony’s youngest son, Andre. As the movie progresses, the horror elements begin to take over, though not always successfully. The pacing, while necessary to build the story, contributes to the film’s extended runtime, which can feel like a bit of a slog at times. There are moments when the tension works, drawing you in, but there are also times when you might find yourself wishing the film would just wrap up already—though you’ll probably stay curious enough to see it through.
A Case of Trying to Do Too Much
The Deliverance aims to tackle a lot—generational trauma, racial tensions, absent fathers, abusive relationships, demonic possession, and more. However, this attempt to juggle so many themes ends up diluting the film’s impact. The supernatural elements, which are supposed to be the movie’s main draw, don’t quite deliver the spine-tingling intensity that horror fans crave. Instead, the film feels scattered, struggling to balance its many narrative threads.
Conclusion
While Glenn Close and Andra Day deliver standout performances in The Deliverance, their efforts aren’t quite enough to save the movie as a whole. The film’s blend of family drama and horror shows promise, but ultimately, it tries to cover too much ground, resulting in a somewhat muddled experience. We’d love to hear your thoughts—did The Deliverance meet your expectations, or did it leave you wanting more? Let us know in the comments!