'The Deliverance' is based on exorcism of Latoya Ammons. Here's what's real, fiction

'The Deliverance' is a fictional movie now streaming on Netflix that is based on a 2014 IndyStar story about a family in Gary, Indiana, that resorted to exorcisms after a series of bizarre incidents plagued the family and their new rental home.

The movie quickly climbed to the top of the most-watched list on the streaming platform after its release, leaving many viewers wanting to know more about the true story.

From the original articles by former IndyStar reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski and video interviews with Latoya Ammons by Kelly Wilkinson, to a review of the movie and more, find all of our coverage on the alleged haunting below.

What really happened to Latoya Ammons?

That question is impossible to answer in a few short sentences. Luckily, our Jade Jackson breaks it down in the video below, or you can read the full story that started it all. You'll also find the reporter's 2014 behind-the-scenes look at the reporting of the story and the response she received after it published.

The exorcisms of Latoya Ammons: Read the 2014 story that started it all

In the reporter's own words: The story behind the Latoya Ammons story, inspiration for 'The Deliverance'

More from 2014: How other outlets handled 'The exorcisms of Latoya Ammons'

Is 'The Deliverance' worth watching?

"If you're looking for an earth-shattering, sleep-with-the-lights-on-afterwards kind of horror film, this might not fit the bill," pop culture reporter Holly Hays said. "But if you're looking for something that will unsettle you and keep you entertained while making you think about the world around us, dive in."

Read the full review: 'The Deliverance' brings Indiana haunting to life on Netflix

What happened to the Ammons house?

In the wake of the 2014 story, the home was the target of vandalism and seances after drawing national attention. It was bought and demolished by Zak Bagans in 2016, and you can see the video of it being torn down here. Read more about Bagans below.

Is Latoya Ammons still alive and where is she now?

Yes, Ammons is alive but has kept a fairly private existence in the ensuing years. She told us in 2014 she was now able to live without fear in Indianapolis, though the film's director was not comfortable meeting in person with her for this film.

In August 2024, director Lee Daniels told The Hollywood Reporter: “It’s my interpretation of her life story. I purposely didn’t want to meet her because I was nervous. But I spoke to her… And she’s lovely. She was at peace.”

How to watch 'The Deliverance'

The movie was released in select theaters on Aug. 16 and became available to stream on Netflix on Aug. 30.

Click here for more on the cast, a synopsis of the plot and info on how to watch.

The Gary, Indiana, 'Demon House'

Zak Bagans, the former host and executive producer of "Ghost Adventures" on the Travel Channel, also read the 2014 IndyStar story and was hooked.

Bagans made the 2018 documentary horror film "Demon House" about Ammons' strange tale , and also bought and demolished the home in Gary.

Zak Bagans' 'Demon House' the real story 10 things to know about the Gary, Indiana, case

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'The Deliverance' is based on exorcism of Latoya Ammons. Here's what's real, fiction