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The Deliverance, a new horror film directed by Lee Daniels, debuted in limited theaters on August 16 before making its way to Netflix on August 30. The Jackson family in the movie deals with demonic possession following house relocation.
Starring Andra Day as Ebony Jackson, the film is a dramatization of the actual Ammons haunting case that took place in Gary, Indiana, in 2011. Inspired by real events, The Deliverance vividly depicts the core of the supernatural events afflicting the Ammons family.
The accuracy of the movie in portraying the actual Ammons haunting case is a question that intrigues many viewers. Although the film is based on actual events, it uses artistic license to intensify the drama and horror components, as is usual in such movies.
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The film presents fictionalized elements to enhance the more gripping cinematic experience while reflecting the main events of the haunting.
The Deliverance follows the narrative of the Ammons family’s terrifying experiences closely but adds layers of drama that differ from the actual events. While some scenes remain true to what reportedly happened, other elements, especially character arcs and the final showdown, are exaggerated or entirely fictional.
How accurate is The Deliverance to the real case of the Ammons haunting?
The Ammons haunting case, also known as the 200 Demons House, began in November 2011 when Latoya Ammons, her mother Rosa Campbell, and her three children moved into a rental home at 3860 Carolina Street in Gary, Indiana.
Almost immediately, the family reported unusual events beginning with black fly swarms invading their porch, even in winter. The family claimed to have heard unusual noises and footsteps coming from the basement. Thus, the situation got more severe.
As the hauntings grew more intense, the children reportedly experienced disturbing phenomena. One child was allegedly thrown across a room, while another was found levitating above her bed.
Rosa Campbell claimed she saw shadowy figures and was choked by an invisible force. The family’s accounts eventually caught the attention of the Department of Child Services (DCS), which investigated the situation but remained skeptical of the supernatural explanations.
The Deliverance shares several key similarities with the actual Ammons haunting case. Both stories involve a mother, her children, and her mother, who experience terrifying supernatural events after moving into a new home. In both accounts, the family encounters swarms of flies, strange noises, and severe paranormal activities, including levitation and possession.
The involvement of the Department of Child Services and a religious figure performing exorcisms are also mirrored in both the real case and the film. These similarities help ground the movie in the reality of the Ammons family's experiences while adding to the horror's authenticity.
Also read: The Deliverance (2024): Full list of cast
Experts weigh in: The Ammons haunting case
Despite the Ammons family’s claims, skepticism surrounded the case. Paranormal investigator Joe Nickell examined the reports and concluded that many aspects were either misreported or lacked credible evidence.
For instance, the widely publicized incident where a child allegedly walked backward up a wall was questioned, with some reports noting that the child’s grandmother was holding his hand at the time.
The aftermath of the hauntings
The Ammons family relocated to Indianapolis in May 2012 following approximately six months of residence in the house. Latoya Ammons momentarily lost custody of her children, who were under DCS's care at this period. However, she regained custody in November 2012 following agency guidelines.
The house itself became well-known and was finally bought and destroyed by Zak Bagans, the host of Ghost Adventures, who said it had a sinister and strong presence.
Production and direction
The Deliverance was directed by Lee Daniels, known for his work on Precious and The Butler. Along with Elijah Bynum and David Coggeshall, he co-wrote the screenplay.
Daniels sought to produce a "faith-based thriller" that would appeal to viewers on a spiritual level. To provide more complexity to the narrative, he changed the background of the characters and the type of exorcism.
How The Deliverance departs from reality
While The Deliverance accurately portrays many of the terrifying moments the Ammons family claimed to have experienced, it diverges from the truth in several ways.
The film dramatizes the final exorcism scene, turning it into a climactic battle between Ebony and the demon, a scenario that did not happen in real life. Additionally, the character arcs, particularly those of Ebony and her mother, are fictionalized to enhance the emotional impact of the story.
Capturing the fear and uncertainty the family apparently experienced, The Deliverance presents a horrific portrayal of the Ammons haunting case. However, like many films "inspired by real events," it does use artistry to create a more dramatic and interesting narrative. Though it's still a gripping horror movie, viewers should approach it knowing it combines fiction with reality to transmit its message.
