Looking for a much-needed fresh start, a struggling single mother named Ebony Jackson (Andra Day) moves her three children to a new house in Pittsburgh. That opens up the story of “The Deliverance”, the latest film from director Lee Daniels that happens to be one of most baffling movies of the year. What starts out as a sincere dysfunctional family drama turns into a hokey supernatural horror thriller that erodes any chance of us taking it seriously.

The film is based on the real-life case of LaToya Ammons, an Indiana mother who claimed her house was haunted by demonic spirits who eventually possessed her children. Mercifully, that messy element of the story doesn’t kick into gear until the final act. We get several supernatural hints sprinkled throughout, but the bulk of the movie focuses on the family as they attempt to navigate their domestic conflicts and social challenges. That’s when “The Deliverance” is at its best.

A solid cast brings the movie credibility. Andra Day plays Ebony, a well-meaning but troubled single mother whose life is a reflection of her own violent childhood. She recently moved into a house in Pittsburgh with her oldest son Nate (Caleb McLaughlin), middle daughter Shante (Demi Singleton), and youngest child Andre (Anthony B. Jenkins). Ebony’s struggle with her past unfortunately manifests itself in her own abuse against her children. And her resurfacing alcoholism only makes things worse.

Ebony’s overbearing mother Alberta (Glen Close) agrees to move in and help with the kids which adds a whole new layer to the story. To make things more stressful, they’re constantly under watch by the state and paid visits by a dogged social worker named Cynthia (Mo’Nique). Nate is routinely roughed up by a neighborhood bully, Shante desperately misses her father, and Andre is his happiest hanging out with his imaginary friend Trey. That’s a lot of drama, but through it Daniels, along with co-writers David Coggeshall and Elijah Bynum, give us a grounded portrait of a family in crisis.

But looming is the story’s unfortunate horror component. It starts with strange odors from the basement and buzzing flies around its door. We get the usual loud bangs and doors mysteriously opening. Then there is Andre’s peculiar behavior including his concerning conversations with Trey. And what’s with the strange woman (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) who keeps showing up outside their house?

It all culminates in a trope-riddled final act that goes full Exorcist mode. Ebony faces demonic voices, body contortions, levitations, and even a stigmata as her motherly instincts kick in and she fights for the souls of her children. There seems to be some admirable allegorical intent. Sadly it’s all but lost as the movie turns into a generic copy-and-paste possession flick. The final 30 minutes end up clashing with nearly everything that came before it while wasting a fierce performance from Andra Day along the way. “The Deliverance” premieres on Netflix August 30th.

VERDICT – 2 STARS