The chilling real-life story that inspired Netflix's 'The Deliverance'
Netflix's new horror film, The Deliverance, is not just a work of fiction and is actually based on a terrifying real-life incident that allegedly took place in 2011. Directed by Lee Daniels, it draws inspiration from the 2014 Indianapolis Star article titled The Exorcisms of Latoya Ammons. This spine-chilling account, penned by Marisa Kwiatkowski, narrates the horrifying experiences of Ammons and her family who claimed to be tormented by demonic entities after moving into a rented house in Gary, Indiana.
The 'Demon house' and its eerie occurrences
The house that Ammons and her family moved into came to be known as the "Demon House" due to the series of inexplicable incidents that occurred there. The family reported being plagued by swarms of indestructible black flies, despite the cold weather. They also claimed to hear unexplained footsteps in the basement. Ammons's mother, Rosa Campbell, even reported seeing a "shadowy figure" pacing in their living room.
Ammons's children were allegedly possessed by demons
The horror escalated when Ammons claimed to witness her 12-year-old daughter levitating above her bed! She also alleged that all three of her kids were possessed by demons, which distorted their faces and changed their voices. Both her seven and nine-year-old sons were hospitalized, following which the nine-year-old reportedly walked backward up a wall to the ceiling! This terrifying claim was later reportedly corroborated by a nurse and a representative of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Children taken into custody; family sought priest's help
The Department of Child Services took all three children into their custody the following day, despite not having a court order. Medical examinations of Ammons and her children failed to provide any explanation for their actions while allegedly "possessed." A psychiatrist described Ammons as being of "sound mind." Eventually, Ammons sought help from Reverend Michael Maginot, a priest from Merrillville.
Ammons regained custody; family moves to Indianapolis
In November 2012, half a year after her children were taken away, Ammons regained custody and the family moved to Indianapolis. She told the Indianapolis Star that they now live "without fear." The "Demon House" was later purchased by paranormal investigator Zak Bagans for $35,000 after the publication of the Indianapolis Star article. He filmed a documentary about the events titled "Demon House" and had the building demolished in 2016.
'The Deliverance' mirrors real-life events with minor changes
The Deliverance mirrors these real-life events, with minor modifications. The film relocates the house to Pittsburgh and portrays the grandmother as a white character, played by Glenn Close, despite Campbell being Black. In the movie, the role of the priest is played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The movie also stars Andra Day, Tasha Smith, and Caleb McLaughlin.
