Jeremy Allen White, fresh from his acclaimed performance in The Bear, trades chef's whites for trucker's gear in Deliver, a new film streaming on Disney+ that draws heavy inspiration from Bruce Springsteen's working-class anthems. Yet despite White's committed performance, this cinematic endeavour proves to be a surprisingly joyless affair that fails to capture the Boss's enduring magic.
A Bleak Portrait of American Struggle
Directed by Zachary Dawes, Deliver follows truck driver Will as he navigates the bleak economic landscape of small-town America, desperately trying to provide for his family against mounting financial pressures. The film's aesthetic clearly channels Springsteen's narratives of blue-collar hardship, but where Springsteen's music finds redemption and resilience, this adaptation wallows in unrelenting melancholy.
Strong Performance, Dreary Material
Jeremy Allen White delivers exactly what we've come to expect from the talented actor - a raw, physically committed performance that's utterly convincing. He embodies the weary truck driver with such authenticity that you can almost feel the exhaustion in his bones. However, even his considerable talents can't elevate material that feels determined to drain every ounce of joy from the viewing experience.
The supporting cast, including familiar faces from the Springsteen cinematic universe, provide solid backup, but the script gives them little room to develop beyond archetypes of American struggle.
Missing the Springsteen Spirit
Where the film fundamentally misunderstands its inspiration is in Springsteen's unique alchemy - his ability to transform stories of hardship into anthems of hope and communal strength. Deliver captures the struggle but misses the transcendence, leaving viewers with two hours of beautifully shot misery without the cathartic release that makes Springsteen's work so powerful.
Technical Excellence Can't Compensate
From a technical standpoint, the film is undeniably accomplished. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of industrial landscapes, and the sound design immerses viewers in Will's world. Yet these elements serve to make the viewing experience more polished rather than more engaging, like watching a beautifully framed portrait of someone else's suffering.
Verdict: A Misfire for Springsteen Fans
For viewers expecting the rousing spirit of Springsteen's music translated to screen, Deliver will prove a profound disappointment. While Jeremy Allen White continues to demonstrate why he's one of Hollywood's most compelling young actors, the film surrounding him fails to deliver on its promising premise. It's a well-acted but ultimately dreary affair that might leave you reaching for your Springsteen records just to remember what the fuss was about.
Available on Disney+, this is one for completists only - casual viewers and Springsteen enthusiasts alike may find themselves wishing they'd spent the time listening to Born to Run instead.
