The Deliverance: Movie Review

The Deliverance: Doesn't Deliver at All

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"The Deliverance" sets out to blend family drama, faith-based themes, and horror, but in attempting to juggle these elements, it fails to master any. The result is a frustrating and disjointed film that struggles to justify its existence. With underdeveloped characters, an aimless narrative, and a lack of genuine scares, the film ultimately falls short of its promise.


The story centers on Ebony Jackson (Andra Day), a single mother battling for custody of her children while grappling with her own personal demons. In search of a fresh start, she moves her family into a new home, only to find that strange occurrences with her youngest son, Trey (Anthony B. Jenkins), threaten to tear them apart.


Unfortunately, "The Deliverance" falters in its execution. Ebony Jackson, the protagonist, is portrayed as a deeply flawed individual—a foul-mouthed alcoholic whose abusive behavior towards her children makes it difficult for the audience to empathize with her. This character's lack of redeeming qualities raises a significant issue: how can we invest in a story where the central figure is so unlikable? The film’s portrayal of her struggles feels misguided, and any potential for emotional connection is lost, and even a redemptive arc rushed. Moreover, the supporting characters, including Ebony's children and mother, are scarcely developed, leaving them as mere background figures in a narrative that fails to engage. Despite its nearly two-hour runtime, the film takes a listless approach to character development, offering only glimpses of the family dynamics without providing the depth needed to make these relationships compelling. The narrative itself is a confused mix of genres, none of which are given the focus they require. The film moves between family drama, faith-based messaging, and horror without committing to any, resulting in a story that feels scattered and directionless. The horror elements, which should be the film’s strong suit, are particularly disappointing, lacking the tension and thrills necessary to make a lasting impact. In the end, "The Deliverance" is a perplexing film that fails to deliver. While it ambitiously attempts to explore multiple themes and genres, it ultimately lacks the cohesion and substance needed to succeed in any of them.


Rating: Half a reel




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