

Movie spotlight
Deliver Us from Evil
Close-ups of lovers caressing and images of nearly motionless nude males are presented as a collage. A young man feverishly comments upon le mal d’amour by confronting desire and disappointment, including moments of his everyday life and moments which occur in a dream-like state. This results in an opposition between the primitive simplicity of sexuality and the complexity of love to which we traditionally associate it. This work focuses upon the omnipresence of sexuality and its inevitable changes and ramifications in long-term relationships.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1987 Rome, a young girl named Sarah is haunted by disturbing visions and strange occurrences after her mother's death. Her father, a psychologist, dismisses her claims as stress, but the malevolent presence seems to grow stronger. Sarah's life becomes a nightmare as she tries to uncover the truth behind the escalating terror, leading her into a confrontation with a dark force.
Critical Reception
Dario Argento's "Deliver Us from Evil" was met with mixed to negative reviews, with many critics finding its plot convoluted and its horror elements less impactful than his earlier works. While some appreciated Argento's signature visual style and atmosphere, others criticized the pacing and a lack of cohesive storytelling. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some fans of the director enjoying its descent into supernatural dread, while others found it disappointing.
What Reviewers Say
Critics were divided on the film's effectiveness as a horror movie.
Many found the plot confusing and the scares lacking.
Some appreciated Argento's visual flair despite narrative weaknesses.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Deliver Us from Evil' are scarce and generally unenthusiastic, with many viewers expressing disappointment and finding the film to be one of Argento's weaker efforts. Common criticisms include a nonsensical plot and a failure to deliver genuine scares.
Fun Fact
Although often referred to as 'Deliver Us from Evil,' the film was originally released in Italy as 'Trauma' and later retitled for international markets, sometimes causing confusion with other films of similar titles.
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