The Deliverance : Netflix has once again captivated audiences with its latest horror film, The Deliverance. Based on a chilling true story, this film dives into the terrifying experiences of a family haunted by a demonic presence. Join us as we delve into the real-life events that inspired this spine-tingling tale.
Behind The Truth Of ,”The Deliverance”
Lee Daniels, the Oscar-nominated director behind acclaimed films like “Precious” and “The Butler,” has finally brought to screen the chilling true story that has haunted him for years. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Latoya Ammons, who claimed her children were possessed by demons, Daniels’ new Netflix film, “The Deliverance,” delves into the terrifying events that captivated the nation.
While Daniels’ favorite movie of all time is the classic horror film “The Exorcist,” his mother had reservations about him taking on such a dark and potentially dangerous subject. “And my mom was like: ‘You bare your all and it’s on screen. Spirits can jump on you, and I don’t want you to do the film,'” Daniels revealed in an interview with USA TODAY.
Despite his mother’s concerns, Daniels couldn’t shake the Ammons’ stranger-than-fiction tale, which had made believers out of skeptical witnesses in real life. He spent years developing the film, weaving together the haunting details of the case with his own cinematic vision.
“The Deliverance” offers a gripping exploration of demonic possession, family trauma, and the power of faith. It’s a must-watch for fans of horror and true crime alike.
Director Daniels envisions Deliverance as a faith-based thriller that offers hope during challenging times. Instead of focusing solely on horror, he aims to inspire audiences to connect with a higher power, be it religious or personal. Daniels emphasizes the importance of finding peace and self-love, as tomorrow is uncertain for everyone. The film, which centers on a Black mother grappling with personal and supernatural demons, blends real-life elements with fictionalized narratives to create a captivating and thought-provoking experience.
The Deliverance and the real-life case of Latoya Ammons begin with an infestation of flies
Latoya Ammons’ haunting ordeal began with a seemingly innocent infestation of black flies in her rental home, which quickly escalated into inexplicable noises and the appearance of a shadowy figure. Similarly, The Deliverance starts with innocuous signs like strange smells from the basement, but soon descends into a realm of supernatural terror.
Director Daniels, however, wanted to establish a strong foundation for the characters before diving into the spooky elements. He spent significant screen time developing the dysfunctional dynamic between alcoholic Ebony (Andra Day) and her family, including her three children and ailing mother, Alberta (Glenn Close). This approach initially faced resistance from Netflix, who sought more traditional jump scares. However, Daniels insisted on a grounded approach, emphasizing the importance of exploring the underlying themes of abuse, dysfunction, and generational trauma within the family.
The Deliverance offers a nuanced exploration of these issues, challenging viewers’ expectations and delivering a more profound and impactful narrative.
The Incredible Backward-Crawling Boy: A Real-Life Phenomenon
In The Deliverance, Ebony’s youngest son, Andre (Anthony B. Jenkins), exhibits the first signs of demonic possession, followed by his siblings Nate (Caleb McLaughlin) and Shante (Demi Singleton). The children’s disturbing and violent behavior leads to hospitalization.
The film’s harrowing scenes are based on real-life events, including a chilling incident where Andre is seen crawling up a hospital wall backward. This extraordinary occurrence was witnessed by multiple people, including the child services agent Cynthia (Mo’Nique), Ammons’ mother, a nurse, and the family’s case manager. Director Daniels emphasizes the authenticity of these events, stating that they were verified by even the social worker who sought to remove the children from the mother’s custody.
Mother Separated from Children: A Haunting Reality and Fiction
Child protective services investigated Latoya Ammons for potential child abuse or neglect. Despite being deemed mentally sound, the agency removed her children from her custody without a court order. Ammons, who had already endured immense hardship, expressed her frustration in a 2014 interview with the Indianapolis Star, stating, ‘We’d already been through so much and fought so hard for our lives.’ This heartbreaking situation is mirrored in The Deliverance.
Director Daniels, who has personal experience raising his brother’s children, acknowledges the prevalence of children being separated from their families, often for valid reasons but sometimes unjustly. In this case, Ammons is fighting both a supernatural force and the system to protect her children. This unique and poignant narrative highlights the real-life struggles faced by many families.
A Different Grandmother: Glenn Close’s Portrayal in ‘The Deliverance
To maintain privacy and protect the identities of those involved, Daniels altered the names and locations in The Deliverance. While the real-life events took place in Gary, Indiana, the film’s Ebony and her family reside in Pittsburgh. Additionally, the casting of Viola Davis as Alberta deviates from reality. In contrast to Ammons’ mother, Alberta is white, struggling with a strained relationship with her daughter, and seeking redemption through her faith.
Daniels explains his decision to cast Davis, stating, ‘I enjoy giving a voice to underrepresented people and showcasing faces that are often overlooked. Growing up, I knew many white women like Alberta. I wanted to honor that experience. Many African Americans may not have seen this character on screen before and will find resonance in her story.
From Darkness to Light: The Mom’s Journey in ‘The Deliverance
Ebony receives crucial assistance from the Rev. Bernice James (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), a deliverance minister specializing in cleansing individuals and places of evil spirits. Unlike an exorcist, who focuses solely on demonic possession, a deliverance minister offers a broader approach. Daniels, who initially worked with a male deliverance minister for Ammons’ case, sought to collaborate with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and highlight the contributions of female practitioners in this field.
Ammons consulted with various healers, including a Catholic exorcist, during her ordeal. While a scene involving an exorcist was ultimately omitted from the film, Daniels acknowledges his initial skepticism towards Ammons’ story. However, after a personal conversation and extensive research, he became convinced of the authenticity of her experiences. Inspired by his mother’s own encounters with the supernatural and by reports of strange occurrences during the filming of “Poltergeist” and “The Exorcist,” Daniels ensured a deliverance minister was present on set daily. His defiant mantra, ‘Not today, Satan!,’ reflects his unwavering belief in the power of good over evil.
Read More : Top 5 Must Features iPhone 16 Pro Max
