While Halloween is still two months away, Netflix is already gearing up for the spooky season with “The Deliverance“. Released in select theaters on August 16, 2024, the horror movie has generated considerable buzz ahead of its anticipated streaming debut.
The picture is inspired by the real-life Ammons haunting case from 2011, a harrowing paranormal event involving a family in Gary, Indiana, who endured a nightmarish existence upon moving into their new home.
The cast boasts notable names, including Andra Day from “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and Caleb McLaughlin from “Stranger Things”. However, the most surprising aspect of the production is Glenn Close‘s involvement, given her usual repertoire of roles.
Why Glenn Close joined Netflix’s ‘The Deliverance’: Her explanation
From the moment Glenn Close first appears on screen in “The Deliverance,” viewers are shocked. The acclaimed actress, known for her award-nominated performances, seems an unexpected choice for a possession-themed popcorn flick.
It’s not her foray into the horror genre that surprises, as she previously delivered a memorable performance in “The Girl with All the Gifts.” Rather, it’s the character she plays in Netflix’s latest release that stands out.
Close portrays Alberta, the complex mother of Ebony, the protagonist. What makes her role particularly striking is that Alberta is a white woman who has lived her entire life within the Black community, a character referred to in street slang as a “white woman of color.”
Director Lee Daniels highlighted the significance of Alberta in an Instagram post, noting, “Every Black person knows an Alberta. She’s part of the fabric of our community, but we’ve never seen her on screen before.”
In an interview with People, Close explained her decision to take on the role. “When [Daniels] told me that there are white women like this in every Black community, I was intrigued and wanted to do her justice. And so the journey began.”
Close also emphasized her commitment to avoiding repetition in her roles, and the challenge of portraying a character like Alberta, who lacked contemporary representation in horror, was particularly appealing to her. Her dedication to diverse and challenging roles is evident in her busy schedule, which includes projects like the film adaptation of “Sunset Boulevard” and the action-comedy “Brothers”.
