Unveiling the Forgotten Gems of Netflix's 'The Deliverance'

Lee Daniels' supernatural horror film for Netflix, The Deliverance, has stirred up quite a buzz, but not all of it is positive. The film opens with a poignant look at poverty and intergenerational trauma within the Jackson family. However, it quickly veers off course, morphing into a bizarre and narratively confusing blend of Christian propaganda as it becomes apparent that a sinister force lurks within their home.

Andra Day takes on the role of Ebony Jackson, the resilient matriarch and overwhelmed mother of three, while the legendary Glenn Close delivers some memorable lines as Alberta, Ebony’s mother. Despite their compelling performances, the film disappointingly squanders the talents of young stars Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things and Demi Singleton from Lawman: Bass Reeves. They portray Nate and Shante Jackson, the older children caught in a dysfunctional family dynamic plagued by poverty and supernatural troubles. Regrettably, the narrative fails to give these characters the spotlight they deserve.

The narrative sets the stage for complex relationships between Ebony and her older children but ultimately neglects them. Instead of delving into a nuanced portrayal of life in a toxic environment, we are served a preachy storyline that frustrates more than it entertains. Within the Jackson family, the only relationship explored in depth is that between Ebony and Alberta. Take Nate (played by McLaughlin), for instance. He struggles deeply with his mother’s alcoholism, attempting to shield her from her destructive habits by hiding alcohol and money. Unfortunately, this emotional conflict quickly becomes a forgotten subplot, depriving McLaughlin of the chance to showcase his vast talent in this emotionally charged role.

Demi Singleton's character, Shante, also faces challenges. A bright young girl longing for her absent father, she protects her siblings fiercely, defending Nate against bullies. The film presents her frustration with their financial struggles, especially during a chaotic birthday party marked by her mother’s alcohol-fueled outburst. Shante’s yearning for