So, I did something out of character today—I watched The Deliverance. If you know me, you know that I’m a big baby when it comes to horror movies, especially those involving exorcisms or anything of that nature. Usually, I steer clear of them, but a Facebook friend mentioned watching it, and my curiosity got the better of me.

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Growing up, my grandma always warned us about these kinds of movies. She would say that if we watch too many of them, it might attract those dark forces into our lives. According to her, watching such films could make us vulnerable to getting sucked into that fictionalized world, where demons might see it as an opportunity to trick us in real life. I know it sounds intense, but those stories stuck with me. It’s the main reason I haven’t seen classics like The Exorcist—and when I tell people that, they usually react with disbelief.

But here’s the thing about The Deliverance—while it’s technically in the same category as those exorcism films, it didn’t feel as terrifying as I expected. Sure, there was one really freaky scene: the moment when the baby possessed by a demon transforms into its grandmother, complete with those creepy little teeth that look like tiny knifes (pullitas en la boca). That definitely gave me the chills. Other than that, though, it was more of a suspenseful family drama than outright horror.

What really resonated with me was the concept of deliverance itself. As a Catholic, the word immediately brings to mind the prayer we say so often: “deliver us from evil.” It’s comforting, in a way, to see that concept play out in a film. There’s a character in the movie who confronts this ancient demon, and she doesn’t rely on any intermediaries. Instead, she taps into her faith, believing that she has Christ within her. It reminded me of that song, “It’s the God in Me.” I found that portrayal powerful and relatable, and I appreciated that aspect of the film’s narrative.

The drama and the visuals were well-executed, too, which kept me engaged. But what piqued my curiosity the most was finding out that The Deliverance is based on real-life events. I’ve always been fascinated by stories rooted in reality, and learning that a film or book is inspired by true events always draws me in. As someone who writes realistic fiction with a twist of imagination, I admire when other creatives do the same. It’s like finding a piece of truth wrapped in a layer of storytelling.

So, if you’re like me—interested in the paranormal and supernatural but still a bit of a scaredy-cat—The Deliverance might just be the movie for you. It’s spooky but not overwhelmingly so, and it’s packed with enough drama and real-life inspiration to keep you hooked. I’d say give it a watch, especially if you want a taste of horror that doesn’t push you too far out of your comfort zone.

That’s all I have for now! If you decide to watch it, let me know your thoughts!