Deliver Us (2023) Movie Review: A Chilling Antichrist Thriller
Horror fans looking for a chilling dive into religious symbolism and dark forces will find a curious experience in Deliver Us (2023). Directed by Cru Ennis and Lee Roy Kunz, this Antichrist-themed film takes viewers on a wild, confusing, yet gripping ride. From the eerie Russian convent setting to its apocalyptic visions, Deliver Us attempts to stir up religious horror in a way that echoes cult classics like The Omen and Rosemary’s Baby. This review will explore the intricate details of the film while providing insight into where you can stream it.
Plot Summary: Good vs. Evil in a Russian Convent
Deliver Us introduces us to Sister Yulia (Maria Vera Ratti), a nun in a remote Russian convent who claims immaculate conception after experiencing bizarre visions and supernatural occurrences. Pregnant with twins, her case attracts the attention of the Vatican, who sends Father Fox (played by co-director Lee Roy Kunz) to investigate. Father Fox quickly finds himself tangled in a mystery involving one child potentially being the Christ, while the other could be the Antichrist. This premise alone sets up an intriguing narrative, but what unfolds is a mixture of supernatural chaos, philosophical musings, and plenty of visceral horror.
The film jumps between theological debates and mind-bending, nightmarish imagery, much of which feels surreal and unsettling. From the Zoroastrian rituals depicted early on to psychic twins and Estonian wolves, Deliver Us has a lot to offer in terms of disturbing yet captivating visual content.
Themes and Tone: Religious Horror Meets the Absurd
At its core, Deliver Us combines two opposing ideas: religious horror and absurdity. The film sets a serious tone with its themes of good versus evil, the battle between divine and demonic forces, and the eternal conflict within faith itself. However, the film’s execution is so over-the-top that it often slips into campy territory. One scene features a one-eyed priest, Father Saul (Thomas Kretschmann), examining flayed human skin as if it’s a religious text, while another shows psychic babies and cross-shaped frozen lakes. These bizarre moments contribute to the film’s strange, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
What Deliver Us lacks in smooth narrative flow, it makes up for with its relentless visual intensity and stylistic risks. It doesn’t always succeed in pulling off these wild choices, but it keeps viewers on edge, never quite knowing what will come next.
The Performances: A Mixed Bag
The performances in Deliver Us are as inconsistent as the film’s tone. Lee Roy Kunz’s portrayal of Father Fox is subdued yet occasionally lacks depth, especially for a character embroiled in a cosmic battle between heaven and hell. Maria Vera Ratti as Sister Yulia delivers an eerie and mysterious performance, adding to the film’s overall sense of unease. On the other hand, Thomas Kretschmann’s Father Saul feels like he stepped out of a different movie—his character, at times, bordering on comedic villainy. While this adds to the film’s charm, it also makes it difficult for audiences to take certain moments seriously.
Cinematography and Atmosphere: A Frosty Aesthetic
The one element where Deliver Us truly excels is in its cinematography. The cold, desaturated landscapes evoke a sense of isolation and despair, much like Pieter Bruegel’s Hunters in the Snow. The film’s grey tones, from the frozen Russian wilderness to the dimly lit interiors, add to the overall feeling of gloom and dread that permeates the film. This consistent aesthetic makes Deliver Us visually compelling, even when its storytelling falters.
The film’s use of dream sequences and apocalyptic visions further reinforces its nightmarish quality. While some of these scenes may feel disjointed or unnecessary, they enhance the overall disorientation the audience is meant to feel.
Where to Watch Deliver Us (2023)
For horror fans looking to experience this unique blend of religious horror and supernatural absurdity, Deliver Us (2023) is available across several streaming platforms. Here’s where you can watch it:
Streaming Services
- Hulu – Deliver Us may also be found on Hulu for those with a subscription, adding to its selection of indie and cult horror films.
Rental/Purchase Streaming Services
If you prefer to rent or purchase the movie, here are your options:
- Amazon Prime Video – Available for rental or purchase in HD or 4K, making it easy to access.
- Apple TV – You can rent or buy Deliver Us on Apple TV, offering another high-quality streaming option.
- Google Play Movies – An alternative for those who want to rent or purchase the movie at competitive prices.
Check the specific platforms for availability in your region, as some titles might not be accessible in all countries.
Final Thoughts: A Confusing but Engaging Horror Experience
Deliver Us is not your average horror movie, and that’s both its strength and weakness. While the film’s plot is convoluted and at times incoherent, its unsettling atmosphere and striking visuals keep it engaging. Fans of supernatural horror and those who enjoy theological themes mixed with grotesque imagery will find Deliver Us a unique experience.
Though it doesn’t reach the heights of The Omen or Rosemary’s Baby, Deliver Us is a memorable addition to the religious horror genre. Its chaotic, dreamlike narrative might leave you scratching your head, but for those who enjoy weird, unsettling horror, it’s worth a watch.
