Deliver Us from Evil Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy cop and a hip priest fight demons unleashed by a cave in Iraq because somebody really liked The Doors.

🍿 Deliver Us from Evil: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Initial Investigation

NYPD officer Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana) investigates a series of disturbing crimes that defy rational explanation. These include a mother throwing her child into a lion enclosure and a domestic dispute with a history of violence. Sarchie’s partner, Butler (Joel McHale), provides a skeptical counterpoint to the increasingly bizarre events. These cases begin to unsettle Sarchie, hinting at a deeper, more sinister force at play.

Enter Father Mendoza

Sarchie encounters Father Mendoza (Edgar Ramírez), an unconventional priest with experience in exorcism. Mendoza suggests the crimes are linked to demonic possession. Sarchie, a lapsed Catholic, initially dismisses this, but the escalating strangeness of the cases and their impact on his personal life force him to reconsider. Mendoza introduces the concept of ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ evil, distinguishing between human wickedness and supernatural forces.

The Inscription and the Portal

Sarchie discovers a recurring symbol – a Latin inscription – at each crime scene. Mendoza identifies it as a portal to hell, brought about by soldiers in Iraq who unwittingly opened a gateway to evil. The connection is further amplified by references to the band The Doors, whose music becomes a chilling motif. As Sarchie investigates, his family becomes increasingly vulnerable to the encroaching darkness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana): A troubled NYPD detective who initially scoffs at the idea of demonic possession but becomes a believer as he investigates increasingly disturbing crimes.
• Mendoza (Edgar Ramírez): An unconventional priest and exorcist who partners with Sarchie to combat the demonic forces terrorizing New York City.
• Santino (Sean Harris): A former soldier possessed by a demonic force, he acts as the primary antagonist, spreading evil through the city.
• Butler (Joel McHale): Sarchie’s cynical and street-wise partner who provides support but ultimately falls victim to the escalating evil.
• Jen (Olivia Munn): Sarchie’s wife, whose safety and well-being, along with their daughter’s, becomes threatened as Sarchie delves deeper into the demonic cases.
• Christina (Lulu Wilson): Sarchie’s young daughter, who becomes a target for the demonic forces, heightening the stakes for Sarchie.
• Jimmy (Chris Coy): A troubled former soldier also possessed, serving as one of the initial cases and a pawn of Santino.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mendoza: “There are two kinds of evil in this world, Sergeant. Secondary evil is what men do. Primary evil? That’s something else.” – Mendoza explains the difference between human evil and a deeper, supernatural evil to Sarchie.
• Sarchie: “I’ve seen a lot of bad things, things I can’t explain.” – Sarchie begins to acknowledge the presence of unexplained and supernatural events in his police work.
• Mendoza: “Sometimes, we choose the evil that chooses us.” – Mendoza warns Sarchie about the danger of being drawn into the world of the demonic.
• Santino: “Shut the door, damn door!” – The phrase is repeated by the possessed characters, indicating the demonic influence opening a gateway to evil.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $30,577,122
• Worldwide Gross: $87,937,815

💥 Deliver Us from Evil Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting to be scared out of my mind, and while it had some creepy moments, it wasn’t the best. The whole cop-teams-up-with-a-priest thing felt a little cheesy. I did jump a few times though! Edgar Ramirez was great as the priest, and Eric Bana did a solid job, but the story just didn’t grab me as much as I hoped. That scene with the little girl and the toys moving on their own? That was definitely the creepiest part for me, but overall, it was just okay. Rent it for a spooky night in, but don’t expect a horror masterpiece.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural horror films like ‘The Exorcist’ and ‘The Conjuring’.”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas with a paranormal twist.”
  • “Those intrigued by stories based on alleged real-life accounts of demonic encounters.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense scenes of demonic possession and exorcism.”
  • “Graphic violence and disturbing imagery.”
  • “Strong language and thematic elements involving faith and evil.”
  • “Kidnapping”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Deliver Us from Evil blends crime and horror, but the scares are predictable. Eric Bana is solid as a troubled cop, and Édgar Ramírez adds intrigue as the unconventional priest. The dark atmosphere is effective, but the story feels familiar and doesn’t deliver enough original thrills. If you’re a fan of exorcism movies, it’s worth a watch, but don’t expect to be blown away.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite some creepy moments and solid performances, Deliver Us from Evil suffers from a derivative plot and reliance on jump scares, failing to offer a fresh take on the exorcism genre. Scott Derrickson creates some tension, but the film ultimately feels like a collection of horror clichés rather than a truly terrifying experience.
• Metacritic: “Deliver Us from Evil is a passable horror film, but it doesn’t live up to its potential. The combination of crime thriller and supernatural elements is intriguing, but the execution is uneven. The performances are decent, but the script lacks originality, and the scares are more startling than genuinely frightening. Worth a rental, but not a must-see.

Audience Reactions

Some viewers found the blend of crime drama and horror intriguing and different.: The acting performances, especially by Eric Bana and Edgar Ramirez, received positive feedback.

Many agreed that the movie had a dark and unsettling atmosphere that was effective.: The movie’s reliance on familiar horror tropes and jump scares led to disappointment for some.

Overall Consensus: Deliver Us from Evil is a mixed bag, with some finding it a decent horror film with good performances, while others criticized its lack of originality and reliance on jump scares.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 2001 non-fiction book ‘Beware the Night’ by Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool, detailing Sarchie’s experiences as a New York City police officer and demonologist.”
• “Director Scott Derrickson also directed ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ and ‘Sinister’, establishing him as a prominent figure in the horror genre.”
• “To prepare for his role, Joel McHale underwent extensive knife and martial arts training, performing many of his own stunts.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with actual demonologists and exorcists to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the rituals depicted in the film.”
• “The use of The Doors’ music, particularly ‘Break on Through (To the Other Side),’ is a thematic element, symbolizing a gateway or portal to the demonic realm.”

🖥️ How to Watch Deliver Us from Evil?

Deliver Us from Evil is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or purchase the film. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be found at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Deliver Us from Evil, you might like these similar films:

• The Exorcist (1973): Classic and influential possession film, setting the standard for the genre with its depiction of demonic possession and exorcism.
• The Conjuring (2013): Features paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren dealing with demonic forces, similar to the priest and cop dynamic in ‘Deliver Us from Evil’.
• Se7en (1995): Dark and gritty crime thriller with a supernatural twist, sharing the atmosphere and tone of ‘Deliver Us from Evil’.
• Constantine (2005): A supernatural detective investigates demonic activity, blending elements of crime and the occult, similar to Sarchie’s role.

🛒 Deliver Us from Evil Related Products

• Beware the Night: Ralph Sarchie’s firsthand account of his experiences as a New York City police officer dealing with demonic activity. Provides a deeper understanding of the real-life cases that inspired the movie.
• Exorcist Board Game: Play as team of exorcists trying to save Reagan from evil in a board game with cards and dice. Game takes approximately 45-75 minutes to play.
• The Exorcist [Blu-ray]: Experience the original exorcism movie. This Blu-ray edition offers enhanced picture and sound quality, making it a must-have for horror fans.
• Demon & Devil Collectible Figurine: A detailed demon figurine inspired by the demonic entities featured in the movie. Perfect for horror collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Deliver Us from Evil features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Warden” – performed by Atrium Carceri
• “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” – performed by The Doors

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Deliver Us From Evil’ and ‘Tammy’ | On Cinema Season 5, Episode 1 | Adult Swim

Tim and Gregg of ‘On Cinema’ take on ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ with their hilarious and offbeat review. If you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a good laugh, check it out!

Controversial Movies 2: Don’t Deliver Us From Evil Analysis/History

If you found ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ a bit too intense, this video offers a fascinating deep dive into the controversies surrounding the film. It’s a must-watch for anyone who’s interested in the darker side of cinema.

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