Deliverance (1972)

Screening as part of the 2025 From Page To Screen film festival

Post-screening Q&A with novelist and journalist Xan Brooks

John Boorman’s Deliverance is a gripping, brutal, elemental experience that gazes unflinchingly at the nature of cultural divides, class and masculinity.

Adapted by James Dickey from his 1970 novel, the film follows four ‘city boys’ (including Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight) as they head into the north Georgia wilderness for a canoeing expedition that goes horribly wrong when they find themselves in a shocking confrontation with the locals. Packed with uneasily handsome photography of the Georgia countryside and heart-stopping action sequences, the film is a propulsive, white-knuckle ride and a sharp exploration of America’s division. And you’ll never be able to listen to the sound of the banjo in quite the same way again.

Dir. John Boorman, USA 1972, 109 mins. With Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox.

Certificate 18

Gain deeper insight into the film with our curator, Andrew Chater, as he explores its themes, significance, and creative process. Watch the video below to hear his expert perspective.

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