Deliver Us: A Gleeful Dive into Apocalyptic Horror

Directed by:** Cru Ennis and Lee Roy Kunz  

**Starring:** Thomas Kretschmann, Lee Roy Kunz, Maria Vera Ratti, Alexander Siddig, Jaune Kimmel

**Rating:** ★★★☆☆

"Deliver Us" is a wild ride through apocalyptic horror that embraces its pulpy, over-the-top nature with gusto. Directed by Cru Ennis and Lee Roy Kunz, this film is a loopy blend of "The Omen" style thrills and end-of-days chaos, delivered with a distinctive grey, moody aesthetic. Despite its grim visuals, "Deliver Us" offers a surprising amount of fun, with a plot that keeps viewers squinting in wonder and amusement.

Plot Summary:

The movie kicks off with a bang, quite literally, with a series of ritualistic decapitations that set the tone for the chaos to come. The victims, revealed to be Zoroastrians, face a grim fate at the hands of a one-eyed priest, Father Saul (Thomas Kretschmann). The scene is gruesome and intriguing, hinting at the dark rituals that underpin the film's narrative.

The story then shifts focus to Father Fox (Lee Roy Kunz), a Vatican priest with a reputation for handling the supernatural. He is summoned to investigate a mysterious pregnancy involving Sister Yulia (Maria Vera Ratti), a Russian nun who claims Immaculate Conception and gives birth to twins. These twins, one potentially the Christ child and the other the Antichrist, become the focal point of a deadly chase involving Father Saul and the Vatican.

Themes and Execution:

"Deliver Us" doesn't shy away from its outrageous premise, diving headfirst into the supernatural and apocalyptic. Psychic babies, murderous priests, apocalyptic visions, and bizarre plot twists abound. The film's grey color palette enhances the eerie, otherworldly atmosphere, while its erratic narrative keeps viewers on their toes.

The directors balance a multitude of tones, from horror to dark comedy, often within the same scene. This tonal volatility is a double-edged sword: it makes the film unpredictable and engaging but sometimes disrupts the narrative flow. Nevertheless, the film's commitment to its wild, gonzo reality is commendable.

Performances:

Thomas Kretschmann delivers a sinister performance as Father Saul, embodying the malevolent priest with a one-track mind. Lee Roy Kunz, who also co-writes and directs, brings a mix of skepticism and determination to Father Fox. Maria Vera Ratti’s portrayal of Sister Yulia adds a layer of vulnerability and mystique, while Alexander Siddig’s Cardinal Russo provides a curious, almost comedic counterpoint to the chaos.

Visuals and Direction:

The cinematography is striking, with deep-focus shots and an intense use of grey tones that enhance the film’s dark and mystical vibe. The practical effects, particularly the depiction of the twins and their supernatural abilities, are both eerie and captivating. The directors manage to weave a tapestry of visual and thematic elements that make "Deliver Us" a unique entry in the horror-thriller genre.

Cultural and Psychological Insight:

While "Deliver Us" leans heavily into its supernatural and apocalyptic elements, it also touches on themes of faith, doubt, and the eternal battle between good and evil. The movie’s portrayal of religious rituals and exorcisms offers a fresh, albeit exaggerated, take on these themes. The characters’ internal struggles with faith and morality add depth to the otherwise fantastical plot.

Conclusion:

"Deliver Us" is a thrilling, chaotic blend of horror and dark comedy that stands out for its unapologetic embrace of genre tropes and its wild narrative twists. While it may not flow smoothly from one scene to the next, its unpredictable nature and eerie atmosphere make it an engaging watch. If you’re in the mood for a horror-thriller that’s as bizarre as it is entertaining, "Deliver Us" delivers in spades.

Now playing in theaters, "Deliver Us" is perfect for fans of apocalyptic horror looking for a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and revels in its own madness.