WATCH the sinister trailer for Lee Daniels' R-rated exorcism horror The Deliverance
By Mads Lennon
"Whatever it is, don't listen to it," chilling words open the first full-length trailer for the upcoming exorcism horror film The Deliverance from Academy Award-nominated director Lee Daniels. Releasing on Netflix this August, The Deliverance is based on a true story of possession, following a single mother intent on saving her children's souls when they unknowingly move into a haunted house.
The Deliverance is a buzzy film for the streaming service, especially because it reunited Daniels with Mo'Nique, who won an Oscar after starring in Daniels' film Precious. The two famously began feuding not long after Precious but have since reconciled, partly due to Daniels wanting to cast Mo'Nique in this film.
Mo'Nique plays a social worker tasked with helping Ebony through the exorcism process. Octavia Spencer was previously cast in the role but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. The film also stars Glenn Close, Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Omar Epps, and Caleb McLaughlin.
The film has been rated R for violent content, language throughout, and some sexual references.
The Deliverance is inspired by the story of Latoya Ammons and her family, who were allegedly haunted while living in Gary, Indiana. Their home came to be referred to as the "Demon House," which was the original title of the movie. Ammons claimed that she, her three children, and her mother all experienced paranormal activity.
Ammons reportedly believed her kids had been possessed by demons and hired a local priest to carry out several exorcisms, some of which are teased in the film trailer, though referred to as "deliverance," which refers to the people responsible for carrying out the cleansing process.
Here's the official logline shared by Netflix:
"Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mother fighting her personal demons, moves her family into a new home for a fresh start. But when strange occurrences inside the home raise the suspicions of Child Protective Services and threaten to tear the family apart, Ebony soon finds herself locked in a battle for her life and the souls of her children."
The Deliverance comes to Netflix on August 30. Add the film to your watchlist now to get a reminder when it drops.