Deliver Us from Evil is a 2014 American supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Despite being officially based on a 2001 non-fiction book entitled “Beware the Night” by Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool and a marketing campaign highlighting that it was “inspired by actual accounts”, the film actually does not showcase any of the cases recounted in the book and instead features a completely original plot by Derrickson and co-writer Paul Harris Boardman.
The movie is based on the real life events of Ralph Sarchie, a New York cop who meets a Castilian priest when he is pulled into a case which the priest convinces him, against the officer’s religious beliefs, is demonically related. Together, they work to solve the case and combat paranormal forces working against them. The two exorcise a powerful demon from a man who is now the sole survivor of a small group of marines who became possessed in a cave in Iraq. The film concludes with Ralph and his family and friends gathered for Ralph’s newborn child’s christening—performed by the same priest who helped Ralph. It is made known that later Ralph quits the police force and begins working with the priest against evil.
Genre: Horror x Thriller
Cast: Eric Bana, Édgar Ramírez, Olivia Munn, Sean Harris, Joel McHale, etc.
Director: Scott Derrickson
Review:
Don’t listen to some of the critics. A very good scary movie. I think the critics knocking it just do not like the exorcism genre. If you liked “The Rite” or “The Conjuring” you will like this movie. A story with characters you care about. Also based on a true story which of course means there are certain liberties taken with it but that makes it more interesting. The background and setting reminded me a bit of the movie “Seven”. The priest is the most interesting character. I normally am not a huge fan of Eric Bana but he plays the role of the detective well. This could also be classified as a crime thriller with a supernatural twist.
The acting is great, the pace is good and basically got a different presentation to make this into a not boring “typical-exorcism” movie. It actually makes you yearn for more information, dragging your heighten-interest along the way and keeps up the momentum to finally gave you a shocking horror, straight to your face.
Buy on Blu-Ray or DVD:
Extra material:
- Extra on Blu-ray™:
The Demon Detective” – An intimate interview with Ralph Sarchie on his experiences, including his entry into demonology, the power of his faith, and his continuing battles against the demonic. (Blu-ray exclusive)
“Deliver Us from Demons” – An all-access look at the production’s approach to creating a very frightening demonic presence. (Blu-ray exclusive)
“The Two Sergeants” – A behind-the-scenes exploration of the collaboration and process used by Ralph Sarchie and the actor playing him, Eric Bana. (Blu-ray exclusive)
“The Demon Detective” – An intimate interview with Ralph Sarchie on his experiences, including his entry into demonology, the power of his faith, and his continuing battles against the demonic. (Blu-ray exclusive)
“Illuminating Evil: Making Deliver Us from Evil” – An in-depth exploration of writer/director Scott Derrickson’s journey as he created the film with a dynamic cast on location in the Bronx. In this featurette, Derrickson and Sarchie’s collaboration is detailed, the actors’ journey into the demonic is explored, and all facets of this unique production are laid bare.
Director’s Commentary
