‘It’s all in your head’
Delirium is a 2018 American horror film about a young man released from a mental institute who has inherited his wealthy parents’ mansion. After a series of disturbing events, he comes to believe the property is haunted by his dead father.
Directed by Dennis Iliadis (The Last House on the Left; He’s Out There) from a screenplay by Adam Alleca (The Last House on the Left; The Piper). Produced by Jason Blum, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Hampton and Tim Headington.
The movie stars Topher Grace (The Institute; Interstellar; Predators; Spider-Man 3), Patricia Clarkson (Maze Runner franchise; Shutter Island; The Woods; The Dead Pool), Genesis Rodriguez (Yoga Hosers; Tusk), Robin Thomas Grossman, Callan Mulvey, Daisy McCrackin and Harry Groener.
[May contain spoilers] Reviews:
” …in the hands of director Dennis Iliadis, the end result is a dull take on encroaching madness and single location hellraising, rendered incomplete by choppy storytelling and overall drowsiness that makes it difficult to maintain patience with 90 minutes of routine frights.” Blu-ray.com
“Scares come from audio stings accompanying cuts like an ominous image reflected in a mirror or sudden grab of a limb. Tom’s journey to uncover the secret behind the hallucinations haunting either house or head hits rote notes on both sides of the lens, making for mediocrity that isn’t memorable as a mystery or as a movie.” Culture Crypt
“The story unfolds at a proper pace and in surprising fashion. And most importantly, it smartly utilizes its strongest attribute: its lead. Proving that he can handle the screen just as well solo, as he does playing off of others, Delirium is Topher Grace’s movie […] He has to convince us that Tom is worth sticking around for and he does.” Eclectic Pop
“While it’s a somewhat smooth experience and mostly a well-rounded film, it’s not something so pivotal that it jars the senses or becomes memorable, other than passing the time for some entertainment that glides on the surface without necessarily digging far below for a greater reward.” From Black to Red
“Overall, Delirium is a decent horror flick. I’m a sucker for these types of movies, especially those that are filmed in such a quality setting. I never felt bored watching it but it leaves little impact and isn’t particularly rewatchable. The creators of the film were more interested in telling a story rather than making something truly frightening.” Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life
“Even on a rudimentary jump-scare level, Delirium is a dull, unfocused mess. Iliadis drops the ball early on by never really getting the audience acclimated with the house […] There’s missed opportunities with the handling of Clarkson’s character…” Good Efficient Butchery
” …the first half of Delirium is a lot of fun as an is-it-real? unreliable narrator thriller, which constantly has keeps us guessing about what’s going on and where things are headed and if we’re really seeing what we’re seeing […] Also fun is Delirium’s final act, which plays its hand and pieces together its Rubik’s Cube of a story in surprisingly bravura fashion. It’s preposterous and convoluted…” The Prague Reporter
“Delirium‘s repetitive midsection, which seems to consist solely of scene after scene of Tom skulking the home and looking frightened, ensures that the movie runs out of steam long before it reaches its comparatively electrifying third act. (It’s worth noting, however, that even this portion of the proceedings contains a generic, paint-by-numbers feel that proves rather disastrous).” Reel Film Reviews
“These are good actors struggling with their lines, and with a redundant script. Tom never learns from his mistakes. His arc is repetitive. He doesn’t evolve. The support characters are more interesting, but they’re accessories […] Despite its flaws, this is an entertaining film. It gets better in the second half despite its convolution.” Tales of Terror
“I’d recommend the flick had it not been for its downer ending that kind of lacks some real resolution. As a viewer, you experience a lot of bruises and blackening while taking in Delirium. By the time the end credits roll out, you’ll wonder if it was actually worth all that effort.” Views on Film
“Much like star Topher Grace who can fill the role but is never able to completely become a character losing himself in the role, Delirium does an adequate job as a psychological thriller but doesn’t explore deep enough into psychosis to become a standout film.” Without Your Head
Release:
Delirium was originally due to be released theatrically on September 30, 2016, however, the release was postponed. It was eventually issued straight-to-DVD by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on June 5, 2018.
Fun facts:
The project was originally optioned in 2005 by Wes Craven and Marianne Maddalena.
The film’s working title was simply Home.
Notes:
This movie should not be confused with several other movies:
Jared Black’s 2015 film Delirium (aka The Haunting of Emily)
Johnny Martin’s 2014 film Delirium (aka Case #13)
Lamberto Bava’s 1987 film Delirium
Peter Maris’ 1979 film Delirium
Renato Polselli’s 1972 film Delirium
Technical details:
1 hour 36 minutes
Aspect ratio: 1.85: 1
Trailer:
Related:
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