Watch Deliver Us

Deliver Us, also known as Liberami in Italian, is a gripping documentary that delves into the dark and disturbing world of exorcism in the Catholic Church. Directed by Federica Di Giacomo and released in 2016, the film offers a candid and unflinching look at the experiences of real-life exorcists and their troubled patients in Southern Italy, where the practice of exorcism is still very much alive.

The movie begins by introducing us to a number of individuals who are seeking an exorcism, including a young woman who believes she is possessed by a demon after dabbling in the occult, and a middle-aged man who is tormented by his own violent impulses. We witness their emotional struggles and the lengths they are willing to go to be free of their afflictions, including enduring lengthy and often painful rites of exorcism performed by various priests.

As the film progresses, we also meet the exorcists themselves, including Father Cataldo, a well-known and respected priest who has performed countless exorcisms over the course of his career. Father Cataldo is a calm and reassuring presence, but his matter-of-fact approach to exorcism is chilling in its simplicity. He explains that the signs of possession are fairly straightforward, including speaking in unknown languages, exhibiting superhuman strength, and experiencing intense aversion to holy objects such as crosses and holy water.

However, not all of the exorcists we encounter in the film are as measured as Father Cataldo. In one particularly unsettling scene, we witness a mass exorcism being performed in a crowded church, where dozens of people are screaming and convulsing in apparent agony. The exorcist leading the ceremony is a fiery preacher who rants about the devil and calls on his congregation to pray and scream until they expel the demons within them. The scene is chaotic and unsettling, and it is hard not to feel disturbed by the intensity and fervor of the exorcist's words and actions.

Throughout the film, we also hear from critics of exorcism, including scientists and psychologists who argue that possession is often the result of mental illness or trauma, and that exorcism can actually do more harm than good. In one particularly poignant moment, we hear from a psychiatrist who works with patients who have undergone exorcisms, and she describes the long-term psychological damage that can result when people are told that their problems are the result of demonic possession rather than a treatable condition.

Ultimately, Deliver Us is a haunting and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about the role of religion in our lives, and the lengths we will go to find answers and relief from our darkest fears and insecurities. While it is at times difficult to watch, the film is also deeply compelling and offers a rare glimpse into a world that is largely hidden from view. Its unflinching portrayal of exorcism and its consequences is both disturbing and illuminating, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

Deliver Us is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.