Terri L
⭐⭐⭐
"Deliver Us from Evil" – A Mixed Bag of Supernatural Horror and Cop Drama
Deliver Us from Evil, directed by Scott Derrickson, is a film that blends supernatural horror with a gritty police procedural, resulting in a cinematic experience that is both captivating and frustrating. While the movie certainly delivers some spine-chilling moments, it also stumbles in areas that prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
Sweet (What Works Well):
One of the strongest aspects of Deliver Us from Evil is its atmospheric setting. The dark, rain-soaked streets of New York provide the perfect backdrop for a story steeped in both crime and supernatural horror. The city itself almost feels like a character in the film, contributing to the ominous tone that permeates throughout. This atmospheric style, combined with a striking visual aesthetic, draws the audience into the dark world of Ralph Sarchie, a hardened NYPD officer struggling with both personal and professional demons.
The film also benefits from a standout performance by Édgar Ramírez as Father Mendoza. His portrayal of a priest with a troubled past adds a sense of sincerity and depth to the film, offering much-needed emotional weight in an otherwise formulaic narrative. Ramírez’s chemistry with Eric Bana, who plays Sarchie, gives the film a sense of moral grounding, balancing the chaos of the supernatural with the struggles of the human spirit.
The supernatural horror elements, while not revolutionary, still offer a few genuinely creepy moments. The possession scenes, though familiar, are unsettling enough to keep viewers on edge, with the film relying on both psychological terror and a few well-timed jump scares to heighten the tension.
Suck (What Doesn’t Work So Well):
Unfortunately, the film falters in a few key areas that hinder its overall effectiveness. Most notably, the plot is incredibly cliché. Deliver Us from Evil draws heavily from other exorcism films and cop thrillers, without adding enough new twists or originality to stand out in the crowded genre. The film’s structure feels formulaic, with many predictable moments that fail to surprise or innovate.
Additionally, the film suffers from tonal inconsistency. The blending of a police procedural with a supernatural horror story sometimes feels forced, leaving the audience unsure whether they’re watching a gritty crime drama or a haunting tale of demonic possession. This confusion extends to the pacing, with the first half dragging significantly before the horror elements truly kick in, causing the movie to feel uneven.
Character development also feels lacking. While we see hints of Sarchie’s inner struggles and his path to redemption, his character remains largely underdeveloped. His emotional arc, especially in relation to his wife and daughter, is touching but not fully explored. As for Father Mendoza, while his performance is strong, his backstory and faith issues are only hinted at, leaving his character somewhat unresolved.
Finally, the film relies far too heavily on jump scares—a crutch often used in horror to provoke a quick reaction rather than build sustained tension. While this might work for some viewers, it detracts from the overall impact of the film for those seeking more psychological depth and real horror.
Does the Movie Provide Closure?
The ending of Deliver Us from Evil offers some degree of closure, particularly in terms of Sarchie’s personal redemption. However, the movie leaves a few threads unresolved, particularly concerning the long-term impact of the events on Sarchie and Father Mendoza. The character arcs, while moving forward, are not fully fleshed out, leaving the audience with a sense of ambiguity about their futures.
Conclusion:
Deliver Us from Evil is a film that balances the dark intrigue of a police procedural with the terror of the supernatural. While it delivers on atmosphere and performances, especially from Édgar Ramírez, it ultimately feels too formulaic to fully satisfy. The reliance on clichés, uneven pacing, and predictable scares prevent it from standing out in the genre. For those who enjoy a mix of crime and horror, it offers a decent ride, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 3/5 – A chilling yet familiar experience that leaves more to be desired.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
05/08/25
Full Review
Tom M
I'm glad I didn't see the ratings before I saw this one. I didn't know how this film was going to pan out. It was taut and fairly creepy. It kept me hooked pretty much all the way through.
The religious message at the end was pretty cringe.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
02/14/25
Full Review
Brendan O
I don’t get the hate for this one, really enjoyed it and thought the acting was decent. It was a gloomy setting and kept it through the whole film. Loved it
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/27/25
Full Review
Audience Member
The priest had so much aura my favourite character, the plot was good I enjoyed it but it did have a cliché ending and the main character didn’t really have any development at all. Decent watch
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/15/25
Full Review
Fred n
One of my favourite horror movies. Definitely in my top five.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/13/24
Full Review
Stephen H
One of my favorite movies of all-time. So does not deserve either ratings it has. Dark, gritty, cop drama, and good acting. One of Scott Derrickson’s best.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
10/30/24
Full Review
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