Deliver Us From Evil (2014) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in two primary locations: Iraq, where a squad of soldiers operates in a war-torn desert, and New York City, where Detective Ralph Sarchie investigates disturbing supernatural occurrences. The contrast between the war-torn Middle Eastern landscape and the urban environment of NYC creates the story's geographical framework.

• setting
• locations
• Iraq
• New York City
• war zone
• urban

The events unfold over three years, beginning in 2010 during the Iraq War and transitioning to 2013 in New York City. This time period reflects the era of heightened global tensions related to terrorism and its aftermath, which connects the soldiers' past experiences in Iraq to the supernatural events in New York.

• time period
• 2010
• 2013
• Iraq War
• timeline

The film explores three core themes: Supernatural Investigation, where detectives confront unexplained phenomena that challenge their beliefs; Grief and Redemption, as characters grapple with personal loss and seek healing; and Conflict, which manifests both in external battles and internal struggles against dark forces.

• themes
• supernatural
• grief
• redemption
• conflict
• horror

Ralph Sarchie is an NYPD detective who is deeply troubled by grief and the weight of his job. He investigates disturbing phenomena that baffle his colleagues, ultimately joining forces with a priest to combat malevolent entities. His protective nature toward his family drives his quest to fight against evil.

• Ralph Sarchie
• detective
• protagonist
• NYPD
• grief

Father Mendoza is a priest experienced in exorcism who provides spiritual perspective to the investigation. He believes in the possession of individuals and bridges the gap between the supernatural and real world, offering essential guidance to Sarchie and Butler as they confront darkness.

• Father Mendoza
• priest
• exorcism
• spiritual
• possession

Jimmy Tratner is a soldier grappling with the aftermath of his actions in Iraq and the supernatural horrors that unfold after returning home. His violent outbursts and haunting memories serve as a catalyst for Sarchie's investigations, showcasing the psychological toll of military experience.

• Jimmy Tratner
• soldier
• veteran
• trauma
• possession

The story links events in Iraq during the 2010 war to supernatural manifestations in New York in 2013. Characters like Jimmy Tratner and Lt. Griggs have military backgrounds in Iraq, and the traumatic events there appear to have opened the door to demonic possession in New York City.

• Iraq
• military
• connection
• possession
• trauma
• soldiers

The film blends a police procedural with supernatural mystery as Detective Sarchie investigates inexplicable phenomena that challenge his belief systems. The investigation blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, adding depth to the characters' quest for truth.

• supernatural
• investigation
• police
• mystery
• horror

Grief is a powerful theme as Sarchie grapples with personal loss and trauma. His journey involves seeking redemption by protecting his family and confronting evil, ultimately finding a path toward healing and new beginnings despite the dark forces he faces.

• grief
• redemption
• loss
• healing
• family
• trauma

Butler is Sarchie's dependable partner in the NYPD who shares the burden of investigating strange occurrences. His loyalty and bravery are tested as they navigate dangerous territory confronting the supernatural, reflecting themes of friendship and sacrifice.

• Butler
• partner
• detective
• NYPD
• loyalty

Deliver Us From Evil combines horror, thriller, crime, and action genres. The tone is consistently dark, centered on malevolent possession and psychological torment, with intense supernatural evil and graphic disturbing incidents. While the journey is grim, the conclusion offers a hopeful resolution.

• genre
• horror
• thriller
• tone
• dark
• intensity