An intellectually disabled man searches for the truth behind his sister's death after being released for her murder. Based on the short story "Caged Bird Sing" by Michael Hamblin, Delia's Gone is an unsettling odyssey of guilt and deception. The film doesn't offer many surprises regarding the outcome. You can guess the rotten apples early. Delia's Gone works as an intriguing character exploration in small-town America. The protagonist must overcome his significant personal obstacles to investigate a mystery gnawing at his soul. It's sad and disturbing to watch him seek redemption.
Louis Holland (Stephan James) lives with his sister, Delia (Genelle Williams), in rural Ohio. His eyes flicker constantly as he ambles around with hands raised. Louis likes birds. Delia says he has a memory like an elephant. Louis doesn't understand metaphors. He takes his sister to a pharmacy. She has her gun, which frightens him. He gets nervous when the local sheriffs, Francine (Marisa Tomei) and Bo (Paul Walter Hauser) see him idling in the truck.
Later that night, Delia wants Louis to go drinking with her. He refuses. Alcohol makes him angry. He's always in bed by 9:30 PM. A hurt Louis pins Delia against a wall when she tells him she's moving. He stares at the liquor cabinet distressed at being left alone. The next morning he wakes to find the house trashed. He's got blood on his hands. Delia lays dead on the floor.
Seven years later, Louis lives at a mental institution. He served five years in prison. The police claimed the case was cut and dry. Louis believes he deserved the death penalty for his actions. A visit by Stacker Cole (Travis Fimmel) enrages Louis. Stacker has found Jesus. He was with Delia at a bar that night. She did leave their house. Louis escapes the facility on a mission. He has to know what really happened to his beloved sister.
Stephan James in Delia's Gone
Stephan James is quite good in a layered lead performance. Louis doesn't hide anything. His emotional state is always apparent. You can see him trying to piece the clues together. Louis recites everything of importance but flies off the handle when challenged. Louis is threatening and capable of violence. He's sympathetic as a forlorn figure yet incredibly dangerous. This dichotomy increases as the plot thickens.
Delia's Gone relies on strong supporting characters. Marisa Tomei surprises with an offensive personality. She's mean, demanding, and sexually frustrated. A subplot has her browbeating and bullying Bo. The always fantastic Paul Walter Hauser must find his courage to stand up to her abuse. They have a complex relationship that evolves to become adversarial. One of the film's best scenes has a reckoning between the decidedly different law enforcement officers.
There are two ways to look at Louis' quest. You have a strong inclination from the second act where the narrative compass points. The baddies aren't hiding. The film disappoints as a pure whodunit if judged solely in that regard. The plot must play out from Louis' point of view. He does his best with the tools available to him. Louis crushes all barriers to uncover Delia's murder. Therein the film's strengths lie.
Delia's Gone is produced by Lumanity Productions and JoBro Productions & Film Finance. It will have a VOD and theatrical release on August 19th from Vertical Entertainment.