Delivered depicts a confrontation between Micah (Giovanna Chery) and a priest (Daniel Armstrong). As the two contemplate an appropriate solution to their problem, the police move closer and closer, making their decision more dire and far more difficult. Their problem-solving skills and their abilities to come to terms with themselves and their actions will be tested like never before. Can they come to terms with one another, or will they suffocate one another?
Quick and streamlined appears to be the theme of Delivered. Writer-Director Jerry Janvier wastes absolutely no time jumping into the narrative, providing little backstory and next to no context in the grand scheme of the film. This structure, and Janvier’s approach, works well for Delivered. He doesn’t worry about developing unnecessary intricacies within the characters on screen, and his willingness to plunge headfirst into the thick of the story is enticing.
Delivered’s tone is angry and aggressive. Both Micah and the priest are clearly infuriated with one another, and their hostility emanates from the screen. As it permeates the screen and the film, it fills viewers not with that same aggression, but uncomfortability. I instantly felt like, rather than watching characters on screen, I was sitting in on an angry counseling session from which I was unable to walk away. The reality is that it’s human nature to enjoy drama–especially when it’s someone else’s, and it feels as if you are fully immersed within this emotional and intellectual bout. Sure it’s uncomfortable, hearing others' feelings quickly and deliberately rise to the surface, but it’s also riveting and entertaining. In the simplest of ways, Delivered appeals to viewers on the most simplistic and rudimentary level, and that’s perfect.
There’s certainly something to be learned from watching Delivered, but in the grand scheme of the film, that’s not what interests me (which in itself is interesting, as I typically gravitate to the messages hidden within a narrative). It’s simply the in-your-face drama that allows Delivered to appeal to viewers, as it works something like an adrenaline rush, and all you can do is become fully engrossed in the insane conversation occurring between Micah and the priest.
Ironically, the intense, sometimes horrifying nature of the narrative is exciting, invigorating–like watching a car accident. You can’t look away! Part of that comes from the compelling performances by both Chery and Armstrong. Their intensity transcends the entirety of Delivered, and viewers can’t help but to understand the emotion present in each of the film’s leads. The majority of the conversation between the two characters (who in many ways act as both the protagonists and antagonists of the story) feels like a battle of wits–drawn out very deliberately. Each of the characters appears to have a firm grasp on reality through most of Delivered, but there are two or three moments when the concentrated nature of the characters breaks, and unbridled emotion breaks through the surface. While the film as a whole possesses strong emotion, it’s these moments that afford Delivered the most success. These moments are a combination of a well-developed script and impeccable acting–and the two paired with one another creates something utterly enticing.
Delivered spends next to no time developing its plot, and viewers can expect to be thrown headfirst into the fire that is Micah and the priest’s argument. Considering viewers are forced to dive right into the deep end, rather than simply dipping their toes into the emotional pool, Delivered never feels choppy or underdeveloped. The film feels complete and well thought out, and its interesting approach into the middle of the story ultimately becomes appealing to many. The emotion present throughout Delivered is powerful, but it’s those aforementioned moments of seemingly uncontrolled rage and honesty that appeals most to viewers. Full disclosure, Delivered ends on a cliffhanger, and viewers don’t know how this story concludes. The fact that it’s open-ended invites viewers to analyze each and every second of the film, looking for answers and becoming a part of the storytelling process. All in all, Delivered is inviting, emotionally appealing, and all-around enjoyable.
Written & Directed by Jerry Janvier.
Starring Giovanna Chery, Daniel Armstrong, Elise Widerker, Isaiah Carter, Barbara Ramos, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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