Actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Channels Her Roots for Powerful Role in ‘The Deliverance’

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has long been known for her powerful performances in films that carry profound messages, and her latest role in Lee Daniels’ upcoming horror-thriller, The Deliverance, is no exception.

With a filmography that includes critically acclaimed titles like The Color Purple, King Richard, and If Beale Street Could Talk, Ellis-Taylor consistently chooses roles that speak to deeper cultural and spiritual themes.

In The Deliverance, she draws inspiration from her own background to embody a faith leader confronting demonic forces.

In a recent interview, Ellis-Taylor opened up about how her personal experience with faith helped shape her portrayal of a spiritual guide performing a practice known as “deliverance.”

The film, based on the real-life Ammons haunting case, tells the story of a mother desperately seeking spiritual help to save her children from a malevolent presence.

The first-look trailer gives viewers a glimpse of the tension and terror as Ellis-Taylor’s character warns:

“It will play on your heart, it will play on your mind.”

Ellis-Taylor credits much of her preparation to her spiritual advisor, Apostle Louis Dickens, who not only taught her the rituals of deliverance but also introduced her to women who practice it in real life.

“I didn’t want to just act the part, I wanted it to feel authentic,” she shared. “Where I’m from, we didn’t cast out demons, but we knew the power of the Holy Ghost and the transformation it brings. That’s what I brought to this role.”

The Real-Life Haunting Behind the Film

The Deliverance is inspired by the infamous Ammons haunting case, where a family in Indiana reportedly experienced demonic possession and supernatural activity.

Reverend Michael Maginot, who was involved in the real case, performed multiple exorcisms on the family and their home, actions that were documented and became the foundation of this chilling story.

Ellis-Taylor’s character represents the spiritual battle that lies at the heart of this terrifying tale.

A Powerful On-Screen Partnership

Ellis-Taylor’s scenes with co-star Andra Day are particularly compelling, delivering the kind of chemistry that feels both intimate and authentic.

“Working with Andra was like talking to a sister,” Ellis-Taylor said. “The connection we built made those intense scenes feel so real. She’s a remarkable actress, and it was a joy to collaborate with her.”

Fans eagerly awaiting The Deliverance can catch the film in select theaters and on Netflix starting Aug. 30.

With an all-star cast including Demi Singleton, Glenn Close, and Omar Epps, this supernatural thriller is set to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.