The Deliverance, despite its 30% Rotten Tomatoes score, has become a global hit on Netflix. Directed by Lee Daniels, known forPreciousandThe Butler, Netflix’s new supernatural thriller is inspired by the Ammons haunting case and follows a family in Indiana who move into a new home and experience strange, demonic events that lead them and their community to believe it is a gateway to hell.The Deliverancecastincludes Andra Day, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Tasha Smith, Omar Epps, Glenn Close, and Oscar winner Mo’Nique.
Now, a few days after it started streaming on August 30,Netflix’s new supernatural thriller has become a global hit.The Deliveranceranks third on Netflix’s Global Top 10 chartfor the week of August 26 to September 1 with 14.5 million views and 27.3 million hours viewed.The UnionandIncomingranked ahead of it in the top two spots.
The Deliverance Ending Explained
The Deliverance’s ending brings a satisfying closure to Ebony’s story where she not only saves her family from the demon but also confronts her past.
Why The Deliverance’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Is So Low
What Critics & Audiences Are Saying
As a director, Daniels has delivered several critically acclaimed films throughout his career, includingPreciousandThe Butler, the former earning him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. However, Daniels has also delivered several critical flops over his career, including his directorial debutShadowboxerandThe Paperboy. With its generally unfavorable reviews and 30% Rotten Tomatoes score,The Deliveranceseems to fall into the latter category of critical flops for Daniels.
The Deliverancereviewsrecognize that Daniels' first foray into horror is most effective when it embraces his melodramatic tendencies, yetit ultimately falls short in delivering a satisfying exorcism. Additionally, reviews criticizeThe Deliverance’s reliance on clichéd horror tropes, predictable plot, and overall lack of originality. A few reviews feel the film squanders whatever potential it had, especially in the second half when it veers into familiar territory. Despite a strong cast that includes multiple Oscar-nominated stars in Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Glen Close,The Deliveranceis often derivative and fails to deliver a compelling or fresh horror experience.
On the other hand,audience reception forThe Deliveranceis much more mixed, sporting a 52% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, recently renamed the Popcornmeter, with 250+ ratings. While some viewers praise its nostalgic feel, strong performances, and exploration of deep themes such as trauma and faith, others criticize its poor pacing, disjointed plot, and lack of genuine scares. Many found the second half of the film especially flawed, with some considering it unintentionally humorous or outright boring. ThoughThe Deliveranceis Netflix’s new number-one movie, whether it’s worth a watch is up for debate.
The Deliverance
Cast
A woman returns to her childhood home to confront dark secrets from her past. As supernatural forces emerge and family tensions rise, she must uncover the truth behind her haunting visions and protect her loved ones from an ancient evil threatening their lives.
