The episode argues that Deliverance is a landmark survival-thriller/horror hybrid whose reputation rests on one unforgettable scene, but whose craftsmanship, tension, and wilderness dread still hold up. The hosts admire the movie’s efficiency, stunt work, and influence, while also picking apart pacing, ambiguity, and some of its choices around character logic and violence.
Based only on this episode’s transcriptTimes approximateSpeakers were clearly identifiedExplore the connections
01Its iconic reputation is anchored by a scene so famous that the movie is instantly recognizable from it alone. About 24 min
02The canoeing and river sequences are unusually physical and impressive because the actors did their own stunts. About 8 min
03The movie’s opening voiceover and credit sequence efficiently introduce the characters and create an ominous mood. About 8 min
04It remains a cable-era rewatch because the river tension, ambiguous shots, and final act keep it compelling even on repeat viewings. About 24 min
05The film’s influence is broad enough that the hosts see its DNA in later thrillers, horror, and wilderness-bad-decision stories. Opening minutes · medium confidence
WHAT DID NOT WORK
Their main criticisms
moderateThe pacing and structure feel awkward compared with modern movies, especially after the central assault sequence. About 1:12
moderateThe Drew death/shot ambiguity is not fully satisfying and feels under-executed to at least one host. About 48 min
minorThe cliff-climb and some final-act decision-making stretch plausibility. About 56 min
minorThe Griner brothers plan is a bad logistical decision and an obvious risk. About 48 min
minorSome effects and body-injury visuals age poorly, especially the exposed femur and certain violence beats. About 56 min
SCENES THEY KEPT COMING BACK TO
Standout moments
Favorite
Opening credit sequence over river and landscape
The voiceover-heavy opening efficiently introduces the men and creates an ominous tone without music.
About 8 min Favorite
The canoe trip through the rapids
The river work is praised as real, dangerous-looking, and physically impressive.
About 8 min critical
The assault scene with Ned Beatty
Discussed as the film’s most famous and disturbing sequence, lasting longer than expected and remaining uncomfortable decades later.
About 24 min mixed
The ambiguous Drew shooting/death
The hosts debate whether Drew is shot or has a breakdown, finding the moment unsettling but not fully resolved.
About 40 min positive
Voight’s cliff climb and confrontation above the river
The cliff shots are admired for their visual intensity and survival tension, despite some plausibility concerns.
About 56 min positive
Final lodge meal and local interaction
The ending dinner with locals is seen as eerie, funny, and a good pivot into post-trauma unease.
About 56 min
WHERE THEY DISAGREED
The biggest debates
No final agreement About 40 min
Whether Drew is shot or has a nervous breakdown
Ryen Russillo
Leans toward a breakdown and thinks the movie leaves the moment ambiguous.
Bill Simmons
Suggests he may have been shot, noting the book treats it differently and the movie is less clear.
They partly agreed Opening minutes
Whether the movie could be made in 2023
Ryen Russillo
No, because the central material and tone would not pass modern rules in the same way.
Bill Simmons
Agrees it would be different, while also emphasizing that modern media still contains plenty of violence.
They partly agreed About 56 min
How effective the cliff-climb logic is
Bill Simmons
Thinks the cliff sequence is a stretch and not his favorite part.
Ryen Russillo
Thinks the setup makes some sense because they believe someone is shooting from above.
They agreed About 32 min
Whether Deliverance is a true rewatchable
Bill Simmons
Says it is not a casual throw-on movie and is stressful to revisit.
Ryen Russillo
Also says he was anxious rewatching it and would not casually watch it again.
12 People discussedActors, directors, writers, and producers
favorableJohn BoormanBill Simmons: Admired for shooting on location and making the film feel raw, though also described as difficult and obsessive behind the scenes. About 8 min
mixedJames DickeyBill Simmons: His novel and thematic framing are praised, but the hosts also recount his drunken, combative reputation and disputed anecdotes. About 1:12
