'Down in the Delta' Is The Heirloom Worth Receiving

Down in the Delta film poster.

Down in the Delta is like returning home to a familiar, heartwarming comfort. It must be Alfre Woodward's tenacious ability to play a vulnerable single mother, the sweet graciousness of Mary Alice's matriarchal authority, Loretta Devine's charming Southern hospitality or the hot, hearty bowl of soup that is Al Freeman Jr.'s deep, rustic voice. This talented ensemble wrapped in a tender, thoughtful story is directed by one of the most brilliant minds that ever existed on this earth— the great Dr. Maya Angelou. 

Against the gritty Chicago backdrop, Rosa Lyn Sinclair is helping her daughter, Loretta raise Thomas and Tracy— an autistic little girl prone to screaming fits. The multi generational household is an American reality— not the seemingly unachievable white picket fence dream house, two loving parents, and a pet or two. Loretta is excited about a job opening at a neighborhood grocery store. Although her interview outfit is as presentable as she can make it, the store clerk isn't courteous. Instead of offering to aide Loretta's shortcomings, he lowers Loretta's already dwindling self esteem. Drugs provide a temporary escape, but Rosa Lyn has had enough. She threatens to call children's services and pawns off a family heirloom to buy bus tickets for Loretta, Thomas, and Tracy.

Rosa Lyn (Mary Alice) hopes that the Southern air will inspire new purpose into Loretta (Alfre Woodward) and a rejuvenating environment for Tracy (Kulani Hassen) and Thomas (Mpho Koaho).

When Loretta and her children meet Earl and his wife Annie, Loretta begins to understand the value of patience. Unlike the grocery store clerk in Chicago, down South, Earl gives Loretta the chance to grow into a potential that was heavily denied her. 

Loretta (Alfre Woodard) and Earl (Al Freeman Jr.) don’t always see eye to eye. Yet they slowly bond overtime, trusting each other. 

Tracy (Kulani Hassen) starts to evolve once in the South.

Tracy and Annie are two innocent Black female characters paralleled with mental illness— one a child, the other an elder adult. Both are treated with utmost sensitivity and care.

Loretta (Alfre Woodward) watches Earl (Al Freeman Jr.) bade goodbye to Annie (Esther Rolle).

Down in the Delta's meaningful crux is a sterling silver candelabra named Nathan, tying Loretta's Chicago upbringing with her Southern roots. This devastating symbol for the Sinclair family illustrates the tragic consequences that the stain of slavery has caused. Black bodies were nothing more than bargaining tools often listed alongside the family valuables. 

Earl (Al Freeman Jr.) comforts Loretta (Alfre Woodward).

Down in the Delta explores the Black family dynamic through a filter of humility, compassion, and love.