Opinion: Thoughts on Lee Daniels’ “The Deliverance” from a Black Cinema Enthusiast

“The Deliverance”: A Comedy Masquerading as a Horror Film

Lee Daniels’ latest film, “The Deliverance,” has sparked mixed reactions among viewers, especially those who enjoy Black cinema. The movie follows the Jackson family as they move into a haunted house in Pittsburgh, with Andra Day playing the role of Ebony Jackson, a struggling mother fighting to save her family from demonic possession.

Despite its horror genre classification, many viewers have found “The Deliverance” to be more of a comedy in disguise. The film’s quirky moments and quotable lines have led to laughter rather than fear, with some even comparing it to a Wayans family production. Andra Day’s performance has been both praised and criticized, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by the film’s questionable material.

One of the most puzzling aspects of the movie is the inclusion of Glenn Close as a white character in a predominantly Black story. While Close delivers a committed performance, her role as Ebony’s mother feels out of place and unnecessary. The star-studded cast, including Mo’Nique, Omar Epps, and Aunjanue Ellis, adds to the film’s potential but falls short of expectations.

Despite its flaws, “The Deliverance” offers a unique viewing experience that has left audiences divided. Rev. Bernice James, played by Aunjanue Ellis, struggles to perform deliverances on the Jackson family, adding a comedic element to the supernatural storyline. The film’s conclusion, where Ebony miraculously regains custody of her children, leaves viewers questioning the movie’s fantasy elements.

In the end, “The Deliverance” is a film that defies categorization, blending horror, comedy, and drama in a way that both entertains and confuses. Whether it’s worth a watch is up to individual preference, with some finding value in its absurdity and others left scratching their heads. As Panama Jackson, columnist at theGrio, puts it, sometimes you watch a movie “all for the culture,” regardless of its flaws.