Drama
United States of America
Down in the Delta is a 1998 American drama film directed by Maya Angelou and starring Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman Jr., and Wesley Snipes. The film tells the story of Loretta Sinclair (Woodard), a struggling single mother who is battling alcohol and drug addictions and has been neglectful towards her two children. After a near-tragic accident, Loretta's mother sends her and her two children from Chicago to her uncle's and aunt's home in the Mississippi Delta to spend the summer, in the hopes that being in the peaceful and nurturing environment of her home town will help her confront her addictions and rebuild her relationship with her family.
Loretta and her children quickly adjust to life in the Delta and start to learn about their family's roots and traditions. Loretta's uncle Earl (Freeman Jr.) teaches her how to farm and her aunt Annie (Esther Rolle) shows her how to prepare traditional Southern meals. Loretta also forms a romantic connection with an old childhood friend named Will (Snipes), who encourages her to stay strong and overcome her addictions.
As Loretta begins to make progress in her sobriety, she also must confront a variety of obstacles, including a racist neighbor who threatens her family and a difficult decision about whether to take custody of her children back from their absentee father. Through the support of her family and friends, Loretta finds the strength to face her challenges and begin a new chapter in her life.
