The IFI’s Monthly Must-See cinema showcases highlights from the IFI Irish Film Archive collections.

This month’s title comes from the collection of London-born Wicklow-man John Boorman, a collection which we are honoured to preserve in the climate-controlled vaults of the IFI Irish Film Archive.

On the 40th anniversary of its release, Deliverance packs as powerful a punch as ever, particularly when seen, as it will be by many for the first time, on the big screen in glorious 35mm.

This Academy-award nominated masterpiece recounts the gruelling psychological and physical journey taken by four city slickers down a river in the backwoods of Georgia. Following an up-beat but ominous encounter with a banjo-playing hillbilly their watery idyll is soon shattered and their trip takes on the quality of a squeal-filled nightmare. The film reveals men’s darkest fears of shame and degradation, and explores the violence of which even the most civilised are capable.

It features excellent performances from ‘70s icons Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight, and fine solid support from Ronny Cox and Ned Beatty. 

The screening will be introduced by John Boorman.