The 4th July falls on a Friday this year, which means any films that were planned to release that day will hit theaters much earlier.
One movie that’s going to make its debut two days (July 2) before Independence Day is the horror film called Deliver Us From Evil. What makes this film’s premise even more horrifying is the fact that the plot was inspired by actual accounts. The belief in demons and demonic possession will be explored throughout this movie, plus the scare factor looks like it’s going to be off the charts.
Before you celebrate on the 4th of July, go ahead and frighten yourself a bit by checking out this film. Here’s what you need to know about Deliver Us From Evil.
1. The Film Is Based on a Book That Chronicles the Real-Life Supernatural Accounts of a Former NYPD Sergeant
Deliver Us From Evil is based on the stories written by 16-year NYPD veteran Ralph Sarchie co-author Lisa Collier Cool. Sarchie’s involvement with the paranormal cases he was pulled into was documented in a book entitled Deliver Us From Evil: A New York City Cop Investigates the Supernatural.
The book’s description explains some of the real-life documented instances that Ralph Sarchie was once involved in:
In Deliver Us from Evil, he takes readers into the very hierarchy of a hell on earth to expose the grisly rituals of a Palo Mayombe priest; a young girl whose innocence is violated by an incubus; a home invaded by the malevolent spirit of a supposedly murdered nineteenth-century bride; the dark side of a couple who were literally, the neighbors from hell; and more. Ralph Sarchie’s revelations are a powerful and disturbing documented link between the true-crime realities of life and the blood-chilling ice-grip of a supernatural terror.
The video posted above features an interview with Ralph Sarchie and some footage of an actual exorcism that took place in 1992.
2. The Film’s Plot Follows a Particular Case About Demonic Possession
During his years as an officer, Ralph Sarchie comes across a Castilian/Hungarian priest named Mendoza. Both individuals get involved in a case that deals with demonic possession and other paranormal elements.
Actor Eric Bana handles the role of Sarchie, while Mendoza is played by Édgar Ramírez. Both men are forced to contend with a solider that’s seemingly possessed by the Devil himself. This solider (Santino) will be played by Sean Harris. Some of the other actors who will star in this film include Joel McHale, Olivia Munn and Dorian Missick.
Check out the trailer above to get a look at what you can expect to get freaked out by in Deliver Us From Evil.
3. The Name of the Film Was Changed Once Before
Deliver Us From Evil wasn’t the original name for this film. At first, it was called Beware the Night. Once December 7, 2012 rolled around, the movie’s official title was changed to the one it’s now known as. It’s interesting to note that the book this film is based on was also originally called Beware The Night.
4. Ralph Sarchie Took a Number of Other Occupations Since Retiring from the NYPD
Retired NYPD Sergeant Ralph Sarchie.
According to The New York Times, the real-life Ralph Sarchie retired from the NYPD. Since then, he’s taken on the role of working as a security officer, a food truck delivery driver and a police consultant in Iraq.
While speaking with The New York Times, Sarchie gave his true feelings on all the attention coming his way due to the film’s promotion:
I don’t like all the attention. The devil is real and is very active in your life. Knowing your enemy is a must in order to defeat him.
5. Another Famous Actor Was Set to Star, But Plans Eventually Changed
During the film’s production, a pretty famous male star was set to play the main role of Ralph Sarchie. Who was that star you ask? The man that’s playing the main role in Transformers: Age of Extinction, Mark Wahlberg. It was eventually decided that Eric Bana would play the Irish Catholic police officer.