Lee Daniels’ latest film, The Deliverance, takes us on a scary ride. But it’s not just about the evil demons that terrorize a home that makes this so chilling; it’s that a Black woman wasn’t believed when she shared her truth about what was happening to her and her family.
The Deliverance is inspired by the real-life saga of LaToya Ammons, a single mom living in Gary, Indiana. In 2011, she and her mother started noticing strange things happening in their home, from an infestation of flies to her daughter levitating over her bed. Ammons was told that the home was allegedly possessed by over 200 evil spirits, according to an interview she gave to the Indianapolis Star. But instead of believing in what seemed to be the impossible, Ammons’ children were taken away by the Department of Child Safety. It took her six months to be reunited with her kids.
Daniels, who directed the film, conversed with Ammons about the project. She was “very respectful” in giving him the space to explore themes like believing Black women. He asserts, “When a Black woman tells you to believe her, believe her.”
Cast members Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Glenn Close, along with Daniels, share their views on how believing Black women—the first time they speak—is paramount to our truth and power.
The Deliverance is now playing in theaters. It premieres on Netflix on August 30.
