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Release Date: October 13th, 2006 (Angelika Film Center) by Lionsgate Films. Directed by Amy Berg. BASIC PREMISE: A documentary about Father Oliver O’Grady, a priest who sexually molested many children during the 1970’s and 80’s, and the corruption of the Catholic church. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Deliver Us from Evil feels very much like a shockingly tragic horror story. Throughout the 1970’s and 80’s, many family lets Father Oliver O’Grady live in their home and gain access to their young children—both male and female. On the outside, O’Grady seems to be a generous, caring and great human being, but on the inside, he’s a monster waiting for his next young victim. Compelling interviews with the monster himself as he painfully recalls the details of how he became “overly affectionate” to his victims, namely Ann Jyuno, Adam M. and Nancy Sloan. In even more powerful scenes, the victims’families discuss the trauma that they had to go through all these years. Director Amy Berg does a terrific job of humanizing the victims through personal interviews so that it’s easy to care about them and somewhat empathize with them. Their lives will never been the same and, as Adam M., admits, he has trouble dating women because of his painful childhood memories. It’s particularly shocking that those in charge of O’Grady’s behavior, such as Cardinal Roger Mahony, refused to take immediate punitive action against him even though they knew of his abuse. In the fascinating court trials, O’Grady had a tough time recalling if he actually molested the children while Catholic officials claimed they did their best to prevent him from doing further harm, which further shows how they conceal the internal corruption within the church that this film so clearly emphasizes. SPIRITUAL VALUE: Even after nearly 40 years, O’Grady’s victims still suffer from painful memories and struggle to live a relatively normal life. In a particularly heartbreaking scene, Ann Jyuno’s father breaks down into tears as he states that O’Grady sexually abused his daughter when she was a baby and how they wrongfully trusted him into their home. O’Grady unsuccessfully tried to reconcile with his many victims by writing them letters of apology, but it’s too late to hear their wounds. Ultimately, you will feel angry at the Catholic church’s corruption and particularly the fact that O’Grady is currently out of jail and freely wandering the streets of Ireland. Hopefully, when he passes away, O’Grady will burn in hell for the rest of eternity. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0 IN A NUTSHELL: Frightening, compelling and profoundly heartbreaking. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater (1st Run) Main Page Alphabetical Menu Chronological Menu The "D" Menu ______________________________________________________ |
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