Lee Daniels Breaks Down the Possession Horror in Netflix’s “The Deliverance”

Lee Daniels, known for his intense and raw storytelling, has brought another gripping tale to Netflix with his latest film, “The Deliverance.” This star-studded possession thriller features performances from industry heavyweights including Glenn Close, Andra Day, Mo’Nique, and Aunjanue Ellis, with young rising talents Caleb McClaughin and Demi Singleton delivering an unforgettable role that Daniels took special care to protect during production.

The Deliverance explores possession, evil, and the weight of trauma, using a mix of psychological and supernatural elements that keep viewers on edge. But beyond the surface horror, Daniels focuses on the real-life impact of bringing such dark material to life—particularly for the young performers involved.

**Navigating Dark Themes with Child Actors**

During our interview, Daniels highlighted his biggest challenge: working with young actors in such intense settings. Demi Singleton, who plays a pivotal role, required special attention. “That was the hardest job,” Daniels explained, reflecting on how he shielded her from some of the harshest aspects of the story.

He recounted a challenging moment: “There were things I actually changed in the script because I didn’t feel comfortable with her doing them or saying them. I had her whisper some things, and I thought it actually worked better for the story, not hearing it.”

This decision proved effective. In one pivotal scene, Singleton’s character whispers something to a school official, leaving the audience to fill in the blanks with their imagination. “We wrote something pretty graphic, and I just couldn’t… I didn’t want to hear her say it,” Daniels shared. “It works better because we don’t know what she’s saying.”

As a director, Daniels was adamant about maintaining the mental and emotional well-being of the cast’s younger members. “It’s hard. I think that’s the hardest part of this journey as a director: protecting the kids because they know but don’t know if that makes any sense.”

This sensitivity is a testament to Daniels’ style of filmmaking, in which the humanity of his cast is just as essential as the story he tells.

**A Star-Studded Cast Tackling Chilling Roles**

Daniels assembled an exceptional cast for “The Deliverance*. Academy Award winners Glenn Close and Mo’Nique bring their powerful presence to the screen. At the same time, Andra Day, who previously starred in *The United States vs. Billie Holiday*, adds a layered performance that speaks to the depth of trauma explored in the film. Meanwhile, Aunjanue Ellis and Caleb McLaughlin round out the cast, each delivering compelling portrayals in a movie where the line between reality and the supernatural is constantly blurred.

Under Daniels’ direction, the cast’s chemistry creates a palpable sense of dread and unease, making “The Deliverance” stand out in the horror genre. “The Deliverance” is currently streaming on Netflix.

Check out the cast’s previous work:

• Demi Singleton and Aunjanue Ellis’ *King Richard* on Blu-ray 
• Lee Daniels and Andra Day’s *The United States vs. Billie Holiday* DVD
• Glenn Close’s *Fatal Attraction* Stream on Prime Video

*Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.