PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Evil comes in many forms, sometimes even in the shape of a beautiful woman who ends up being a succubus that kills men. This is the main focus of Joshua Coates’ film, But Deliver Us From Evil. The film was released on VOD on March 20 but will be getting a theatrical opening on 250 screens this April 3rd.
Synopsis:
Lilith, Adam’s first wife according to Jewish mysticism, seeks revenge against all of God’s creation. God expelled Lilith from the Garden of Eden because of her refusal to obey Adam, the man. Scorned, she returns to present day with a vengeance against man and his offspring.
But Deliver Us From Evil was released by Indican Pictures and was produced by 20/10 Visions Entertainment. The film was directed and written by Joshua Coates. This seems like Coates’ first film in the horror genre, and I think he has gotten off to a great start. The cast includes Eric Roberts, Pooch Hall, Grant Harvey, Thorsten Kaye, Alice Rose, Torrei Hart, Joey Gian, Franklin Ojeda Smith, Cynthia Rodriguez, Kobe Reverditto, Christopher Mann, RJ Konner, Isaac Keys, and LaTavia Roberson.
The film revolves around three plot points: there is a female serial killer in Atlanta, Jeremiah, a troubled youth and prophet, is starting college, and Lilith, the scorned first wife of Adam. All three points somewhat converge throughout the film. The overarching theme is Lilith, a succubus who is killing off religious leaders and just about every man she meets as well. Throughout the film, I didn’t know who to root for, the vengeful Lilith or the prophet, Jeremiah. Adam did get her thrown out of the Garden of Eden, so she has a right to be a bit peeved. Alice Rose delivers a spectacular performance as the revenge-fueled succubus, Lilith. She is seductive, manipulative and dripping with evil, and her character stands out amongst the other players in the film.
My only qualms about But Deliver Us From Evil are that the religious studies professor wasn’t really tied into the main plot, although he did explain the back story of Lilith. I felt that maybe the professor could have been tied more into the main plot, but I understand the lack of connection. That essential point is used introduce the audience to Lilith’s story, because if we didn’t get her side, then it would have just been some succubus killing for sport. Lilith’s motivation is revenge against Adam and man, and to be completely honest, she did have a good reason. Adam threw her to the side like a piece of trash because she didn’t want to submit. Lilith was the first Feminist!
The investigation into the murders was medium. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t too great, either. I will say that the neurotic detective reminded me a bit of Harry Hole from The Snowman. His fate, however, is somewhat expected. The entire gore factor was at a minimum, but maybe that is better. It lets our imaginations run wild; we fear more of what we can’t see. Lastly, I wasn’t too impressed with the animated snake. It was kind of cheesy, but everything else from the film made up for the snake’s amatuer-looking animation.
Overall, I enjoyed But Deliver Us From Evil. It may be cheesy at some points, but it is well-developed. Alice Rose gives a killer performance as Lilith. But Deliver Us From Evil can currently be streamed on VOD. There will also be a theatrical release on April 3rd in over 100 cities nationwide, opening on 250 screens theatrically. Will you dare to cross the path of Lilith? Let us know in the comments below!
