Film Review: "Deliver Us from Evil" (2014).

"Inspired by the actual accounts of an NYPD sergeant." This is Deliver Us from Evil. This supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, adapted by Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman, and based on Beware the Night by Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool. The film follows New York police officer Ralph Sarchie, struggling with his own personal issues, begins investigating a series of disturbing and inexplicable crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat the frightening and demonic possessions that are terrorizing their city.

Sarchie served eighteen years as a NYPD sergeant in the South Bronx precinct, and was a member of the Street Crimes Unit working undercover stopping crimes in progress. Although he was raised in a Roman Catholic Christian family, Sarchie's faith waned "but it's now fully restored." As such, Sarchie describes himself as a "committed Christian"; he possesses a relic of the True Cross. Sarchie, along with his partner Mark Stabinski, carry with them wooden Christian crosses and holy water when called to tackle "demonic infestation around the city." He assists in Christian exorcisms. His career as a Catholic Christian demonologist has included regularly meeting with and accompanying Ed and Lorraine Warren on their cases. Sarchie states that demonic possession can be identified by signs "including unnatural strength, speaking in different languages, having knowledge of events that one would have no way of knowing, a woman speaking in a man’s voice and a person making animal sounds." He states that he prays everyday and among these prayers are the Dominican rosary. When interviewed by TheBlaze, he stated that he has "never accepted a penny for his assistance" and has to fund travelling expenses himself when he takes on cases.

In early September 2012, Derrickson signed on to direct an adaptation of Sarchie and Collier Cool's book, co-written by Derrickson and Harris Boardman. Initially, Mark Wahlberg was set to star as Sarchie, but he declined. In early April 2013, Eric Bana was ultimately cast in the lead role. By early June, Édgar Ramírez, Olivia Munn, Sean Harris, Joel McHale, Chris Coy, and Lulu Wilson rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in August. Filming took place in New York City, New York, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In early November 2013, Sony Pictures changed the release date from January 16, 2015 to July 2, 2014.

The film stars Bana, Ramírez, Munn, Harris, McHale, Coy, and Wilson. The film is a high-octane schlock that occasionally works your nerves, thanks to committed performances from Bana, Ramírez, and Harris.

Loosely based on a true story, Deliver Us from Evil mixes compelling cop drama with generally gore-free scares in a ho-hum take on demonic cinema. The film is intriguing and perplexing, the screenplay is intelligent and open to occasional refreshing wit. Viewed as a horror movie, it isn't much scarier than the average, but combined with intelligent and balanced cop drama it has more to offer than your usual big-lunged, big-breasted screamer.

Simon says Deliver Us from Evil receives:

Also, see my review for Sinister.