Is ‘The Deliverance’ Based on a True Story? All About the Haunting Events That Inspired the Film

Is ‘The Deliverance’ Based on a True Story? All About the Haunting Events That Inspired the Film

The terrifying paranormal events portrayed in Netflix’s The Deliverance are not purely fictional but rooted in a real-life horror story.

The film, which began streaming on Aug. 30, 2024, is inspired by the haunting experiences of Latoya Ammons and her family. Back in November 2011, the Ammons family moved into a rental home in Gary, Indiana. It wasn’t long before strange and unsettling occurrences began. Latoya’s mother, Rosa Campbell, witnessed the shadow of a man pacing in their living room, while Latoya herself saw her 12-year-old daughter levitating above her bed.

Seeking help, the family turned to both religious leaders and clairvoyants. Several psychics claimed that over 200 demons or spirits inhabited the Carolina Street home. In addition to these claims, Latoya alleged that both she and her three children had been possessed by these dark forces.

The Deliverance stars Andra Day and Glenn Close, portraying characters inspired by Latoya and Rosa. Directed by Lee Daniels, this film marks his first and, according to him, last venture into the horror genre. Daniels was initially hesitant to tackle the project, and even his mother expressed concern that he could be cursed.

“Listen, I read those books about the making of Poltergeist (1982) and The Exorcist (1973),” Daniels shared with Variety in August 2024. “And I’m like, ‘Nope, not today, Satan.’” He further revealed that the cast and crew prayed on set every day, with many members feeling the need for protection from the paranormal.

Here’s a deeper dive into the true story that inspired The Deliverance.

Is The Deliverance Based on a True Story?

Yes, The Deliverance is inspired by the true story of Latoya Ammons and her family, who allegedly experienced paranormal events after moving into a haunted home in Gary, Indiana.

According to the IndyStar, Latoya and her three children — daughter Airion (12), son Andrew (9), and son Armani (7) — moved into the house in November 2011, along with Latoya’s mother, Rosa. Shortly after moving in, the family began to encounter strange occurrences. Initially, it was a swarm of large black flies appearing in the dead of winter, followed by the unsettling sound of footsteps climbing the basement stairs.

Things escalated on March 10, 2012, when Latoya’s daughter was reportedly seen levitating above her bed. Airion had no memory of the event after she descended, which led Latoya to seek help from a local church. Church officials recommended that Latoya clean the house with bleach and ammonia and draw crosses in oil on every door and window. She also anointed her children with olive oil as part of the cleansing process.

While two clairvoyants advised Latoya to move, she couldn’t afford to do so. Instead, she created an altar in the basement, complete with a white candle, statues of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, and an open Bible turned to Psalm 91—a passage about God’s protection. However, Latoya claimed that this act only angered the spirits in the home. Just three days later, Latoya and her children reportedly became possessed, though Rosa claimed she was spared, believing she had been born with protection from evil.

Is The Deliverance Based on a True Story?

On April 19, 2012, the family sought medical help from Dr. Geoffrey Onyeukwu. According to a report from the Department of Child Services (DCS), Latoya’s sons began cursing at Onyeukwu in “demonic voices.” DCS case manager Valerie Washington also reported witnessing one of Latoya’s sons, Andrew, walk backward up a wall to the ceiling.

Following these disturbing events, DCS removed Latoya’s children from her custody while they investigated potential child abuse or neglect. However, no signs of abuse were found, and many involved in the case continued to report paranormal activity at the Ammons home.

The family eventually left the house on the advice of Reverend Michael Maginot, who also claimed to have witnessed demonic activity in the residence. Maginot performed three exorcisms on Latoya in June 2012, including one conducted in Latin. Latoya described the exorcisms as feeling as intense as childbirth.

By November 2012, the family had moved to Indianapolis and Latoya was reunited with her children.

“It was just awesome,” Latoya told the IndyStar in 2014. “I hadn’t been that happy in God knows how long.”

What is The Deliverance About?

The Deliverance centers on Ebony Jackson, played by Andra Day, a struggling single mother who moves her family into a new home. Soon after, they begin experiencing strange, demonic events that lead them to believe the house is a portal to hell. Glenn Close stars as Ebony’s mother, Alberta, who initially believes her daughter is falling back into alcoholism and abusing her children. However, it quickly becomes clear that supernatural forces are at play.

Director Lee Daniels made some notable changes to distance the film from the real-life events. The story is set in Pittsburgh rather than Gary, Indiana, and Daniels chose to cast a white woman as Ebony’s mother to explore themes of race and family dynamics.

“There are so many women that do this work that don’t get recognized,” Daniels explained to The Hollywood Reporter about his decision to cast a woman in the role of the exorcist.

Where Are Latoya Ammons and Her Family Now?

Since the traumatic events, Latoya Ammons has largely stayed out of the public eye. Director Daniels spoke with her “once or twice” during the making of the film but was cautious about getting too close. “I purposely didn’t want to meet her because I was nervous,” Daniels admitted. “But I spoke to her. She’s lovely. She was at peace.”

As for her children, little is known about their current lives. However, reports indicate that Latoya’s son Armani tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 17.

What Happened to the Haunted Ammons Home?

The infamous home on Carolina Street in Gary, Indiana, was once owned by Charles Reed, who claimed he never experienced any paranormal activity before or after the Ammons family lived there. However, he admitted that after learning of the Catholic Church’s involvement, he became “less skeptical” about the events.

In 2014, Zak Bagans, host of Ghost Adventures, purchased the home for $35,000. He had the property demolished in 2016, citing the eerie experiences that continued to occur there. “Something was inside that house that had the ability to do things that I have never seen before,” Bagans told the IndyStar.

“There was something there that was very dark yet highly intelligent and powerful.”

The Deliverance brings this haunting real-life story to the big screen, combining elements of the supernatural with the deeply personal struggles of the Ammons family.

 

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