Deliver Us

Deliver Us (Liberami) is a 2016 documentary film that delves into the controversial and often misunderstood world of exorcism in the Catholic Church. This riveting Italian-language documentary is directed by the avant-garde filmmaker, Federica Di Giacomo. Known for her unflinching lens and thought-provoking topics, Di Giacomo demonstrates her prowess in focusing on unexplored territories with this work.

The movie revolves around Father Cataldo, one of the most sought-after exorcists in Sicily, and the host of an immensely popular radio show where he casts demons out on-air. The documentary takes us through a typical day in Father Cataldo's life, which hovers around the mysterious ritualistic procedure of exorcisms. The audience gets a raw, unfiltered vantage point into this shrouded world. The director has taken exceptional care to present a neutral standpoint, without bias, judgement or sensationalism; leaving it up to viewers to form their own opinion about the nature and veracity of exorcisms.

What makes Deliver Us (Liberami) stand apart from the crowd is the genuine care with which the director captures the human stories behind the spectacle. Di Giacomo delves into the lives of individuals who are seeking help for problems they believe derive from demonic possession. The desperate masses flock to Father Cataldo, all bearing their unique burdens, be it guilt, confusion, or tangible fear of the unknown. This is not a documentary about monsters or ghouls, but about people at the end of their wits, willing to believe that their misfortunes are linked to demonic forces.

As for its visual palette, the film offers a fascinating juxtaposition of Father Cataldo navigating between the archaic ritualistic practices and the rapidly advancing modern world. The director captures the dramatic impact of this convergence while exploring the esoteric exorcism practices, inflicting a lingering impression on the audience. The cinematography delivers a rather stark, almost eerie, beauty to the film that only amplifies the dubious nature of exorcism, leaving viewers with a larger debate about faith, superstition, and mental health.

The characters in Deliver Us (Liberami) aren't the fictitious types from Hollywood horror flicks; these are real people grappling with issues that may well be far beyond the grasp of rationale. The individuals portrayed are a mix of the tormented, the faithful, and the skeptical, combined to create a complex tapestry of human belief and desperation. We are presented with a diverse range of individuals from all walks of life, each having their reasons to turn to exorcism.

Father Cataldo, as the pivotal character, is depicted with all his strengths and vulnerabilities. He is shown as a caring, dedicated, but also weary man who must bear the psychological weight of his extraordinary vocation. He is a particularly sympathetic figure, serving as a beacon of hope and relief for the multitudes seeking solace and resolution from their self-perceived torment.

Deliver Us (Liberami) is paced deliberately and meticulously. Di Giacomo shuns the route of turning it into a roller-coaster fright-fest. Rather, it's a slow-burn revelation of the complex nature of human suffering and the desperation that drives individuals to seek solace in belief systems that have withstood the test of time despite the advance of science and rationality.

Featuring richly detailed and insightful chronicles of a mystifying practice, Deliver Us (Liberami) combines the elements of suspense, mystery, drama, and real-life horror into a powerful narrative that leaves a lingering and thought-provoking impact. It is a window through which viewers can kinetically witness the colliding reality of ancient ritualistic practices and the complexities of modern life, prompting an introspection of our own beliefs and the lengths we would go to seek relief from our personal demons.

In conclusion, Deliver Us (Liberami) is a compelling documentary, offering an intimate exploration into a cryptic world most are unfamiliar with. Bold in its approach and deeply human in its exploration, it invites audiences to reflect upon the nature of belief, desperation, and the unseen forces we allow to govern us. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this film is bound to engage, provoke thought, and perhaps even challenge your perspectives.