Based on the true story of a New York police officer, Deliver Us from Evil attempts to tell a haunting tale of three seemingly possessed former US soldiers.
Film review by Keeva Stratton
Initially called in to investigate a case of domestic violence, Sarchie (Eric Bana) soon finds that a series of odd incidents are linked, including a seemingly haunted house, and a strange accident at the zoo.
In interviewing one of the suspects, who appears to be mentally deranged, Sarchie is introduced to a local priest. It is his suspicions and the strange events that seem to follow Sarchie, which cause him to finally believe—he may not just be dealing with the evil of human nature, but perhaps something well beyond.
The film’s preview adequately sets up a scary and horror-filled tale, but the film itself never quite lives up to the hype. While there are jump-worthy moments, ultimately it’s just not that scary.
Too much dependence on jumps in the soundtrack, the addition of oddly comedic characters and the use of a famous band’s music in a way that evoked more hysterical laughter than fear, were to be its downfall.
The film’s writer and director, Scott Derrickson, seems to struggle with keeping his films sufficiently tightly plotted. He is clearly interested in satanic thrillers (recently responsible for Devil’s Knot), but they each lack the masterful suspense that defined the genre through past classic incarnations, such as The Exorcist or The Omen.
Perhaps the temptation to focus on special effects has robbed modern audiences of the spine-tingling thrills once commonplace in 1970s horror. If true, it would be a great loss to those of us who genuinely enjoy being unnerved.
Eric Bana has proven that he is worthy of much greater roles, and I must admit I struggle with Joel McHale in any kind of serious acting role. His hosting efforts on The Soup are difficult to set aside in a semi-serious character—as he portrays here.
Sadly, Deliver Us from Evil did little more than deliver an average horror offering.
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Eric Bana, Édgar Ramírez, Olivia Munn
Rating: MA15+
Runtime: 118mins
Release Date: July 24
Reviewer rating: 2.5/5
Image credit: Deliver us From Evil image via technologytell.com
