“Possessed Chic: Lee Daniels’ Spiritual Runway in ‘The Deliverance'”
In a dazzling twist of fate that would make even the most avant-garde designer jealous, the Oscar-nominated auteur Lee Daniels has finally brought his long-awaited possession film to life. “The Deliverance,” now streaming on Netflix, is a haute couture blend of faith, family, and frightful encounters that’s been years in the making.
Picture this, fashionistas: Daniels, fresh off the runways of his 2009 breakthrough “Precious,” was ready to dive into the demonic closet of Latoya Ammons’ true-life tale. But much like a stern fashion editor vetoing a daring ensemble, Daniels’ mother put her stiletto down. “Spirits can jump on you,” she warned, treating the supernatural like last season’s trends – best avoided.
But darlings, we all know that true style icons never let a “no” stop them. Daniels, ever the trendsetter, couldn’t shake off Ammons’ story like last year’s it-bag. He carried it with him through “The Butler” and “Empire,” waiting for the perfect moment to unveil this couture creation of cinema.
Now, in a time Daniels describes as “dark” – and honey, we’re not talking about the chic kind of darkness – he’s serving up “The Deliverance” as a “faith-based thriller.” It’s less horror, more spiritual haute couture, designed to connect audiences with their higher power of choice. Whether you’re draped in Buddha, accessorized with Allah, or rocking Jesus Christ chic, Daniels wants you to find your spiritual style.
The film, starring the ever-fabulous Andra Day as Ebony, is a ready-to-wear collection of freaky facts and fictionalized fits. It begins with the classic black fly swarm – so last season in horror, but Daniels makes it work – before diving into the dysfunctional family dynamics that are always in vogue.
Netflix, like a cautious buyer at fashion week, initially balked at Daniels’ slow-burn approach. They wanted more jump scares, darling – the equivalent of garish logos in the fashion world. But our dear Lee, ever the couturier of cinema, stood his ground. “I don’t know how to make that kind of movie,” he declared, channeling Coco Chanel’s ethos of elegance over excess.
The result? A cinematic collection that explores the hereditary nature of dysfunction with the same keen eye a designer uses to trace the lineage of a classic silhouette. It’s “Precious” with a possessed twist, a ready-to-scare lineup that’s grounded in the realities of family life.
So, my stylish spirits, prepare yourselves for a viewing experience that’s equal parts terrifying and transformative. “The Deliverance” is here to possess your screens and your souls, proving once again that in both fashion and film, the most enduring trends are those that speak to our deepest selves.
