“Delirium” is a thriller film about a man who receives an inheritance and moves into his late father’s mansion, but soon realizes he’s not alone. The house seems to have a mind of its own, trapping him inside and driving him to madness. The plot twists and turns like a rollercoaster, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.
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Review
Delirium: The Movie that Will Leave You Breathless
What happens when a teenager is released from a psychiatric facility into the custody of his older brother? This question and more are answered in the 2018 horror film, Delirium.
Directed by Dennis Iliadis, this movie is a rollercoaster ride of terror, suspense, and twisted family dynamics that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But what makes Delirium stand out from other horror movies? Let’s delve deeper into this spine-chilling masterpiece.
The Storyline
The plot of Delirium revolves around Tom (played by Topher Grace), who is released from a psychiatric institution after experiencing a mental breakdown. He then moves in with his older brother Alex (played by Genesis Rodriguez) in their secluded childhood home.
But Tom’s homecoming is anything but normal. Strange occurrences begin to happen as soon as he arrives, including visions of his dead mother. As the supernatural events escalate, Tom starts to question if they’re real or just figments of his imagination.
As he tries to uncover the truth behind these terrifying events, he discovers disturbing family secrets that threaten to unravel their bond forever. Ultimately, Tom must confront his past and face the demons that haunt him if he wants to survive.
The Cast
Topher Grace delivers a standout performance as the troubled protagonist, Tom. His portrayal of someone struggling with mental illness is nuanced and believable, making you empathize with his character even as the tension ramps up.
Genesis Rodriguez also shines as Tom’s protective but conflicted older brother Alex. Her chemistry with Topher Grace is palpable, making their fraught relationship all the more compelling.
Other notable cast members include Patricia Clarkson as their stern mother figure Katherine and Callan Mulvey as Katherine’s enigmatic colleague Dr. Sherman.
The Plot
At its core, Delirium is about how trauma can shape our perceptions of reality. Tom’s past experiences have left him vulnerable and isolated, making him an easy target for the supernatural forces that haunt his childhood home.
However, the movie also explores themes of family betrayal, guilt, and grief. As Tom’s world becomes more surreal and terrifying, he’s forced to confront the secrets that his family has been hiding from him.
The score and popularity
Delirium’s haunting score adds an extra layer of unease to an already tense movie. Composed by Nathan Whitehead (The Purge series), it uses a mix of dissonant strings, ominous percussion, and ethereal vocals to create a sense of dread that lingers long after the movie ends.
Though it received mixed reviews from critics, audiences have embraced Delirium as a standout horror movie. Its eerie atmosphere and psychological twists have made it a sleeper hit among fans of the genre.
Filming
Delirium was filmed in Louisiana over the course of 25 days in 2016. Director Dennis Iliadis praised the state’s unique visual landscape, which offered a perfect backdrop for the movie’s spooky setting.
The house where most of Delirium takes place was also specially designed by production designer Matthew Munn to convey a sense of unease. The result is a creepy yet elegant mansion that feels like it has its own malevolent presence.
Evaluation
Overall, Delirium delivers on its promise of scares and tension. While some may find its reliance on jump scares and clichés predictable, others will appreciate its slow-burning approach to horror storytelling.
Its themes of mental illness and family trauma make it more than just another cookie-cutter horror flick. Instead, Delirium offers a thoughtful exploration of how our past can come back to haunt us in unexpected ways.
Awards
While Delirium didn’t receive any major awards or nominations upon release, it has gained a cult following since then. Fans appreciate its unique blend of psychological horror and family drama, making it a standout movie in the genre.
Cinematography
Delirium’s cinematography is stunning, with director of photography Mihai Malaimare Jr. using a mix of wide-angle shots and tight close-ups to create a sense of claustrophobia. The movie’s muted color palette also adds to its eerie atmosphere.
Opinion
What sets Delirium apart from other horror movies is its willingness to explore complex themes beyond simple scares. Its exploration of mental illness and family trauma adds depth to an already unnerving story, making it a standout in the genre.
While some may find the movie’s reliance on jump scares and clichés predictable, others will appreciate its slow-burning approach to horror storytelling. Overall, Delirium is a must-see for fans of psychological horror.
Scenes
One standout scene in Delirium involves Tom exploring his dark childhood bedroom. As he uncovers clues about his past, the room begins to transform around him, becoming more surreal and terrifying with each passing moment. It’s a visceral representation of how our memories can haunt us long after they’ve passed.
Another memorable scene involves Tom and Alex confronting each other about their family secrets. As tensions rise, the supernatural forces that have been plaguing them intensify, resulting in a spectacular climax that will leave you breathless.
Gossip
Though there haven’t been any major controversies or scandals surrounding Delirium since its release, fans have speculated about what some of the movie’s more mysterious scenes might mean. The film’s open-ended conclusion has also sparked debate among viewers about what really happened to Tom and whether he truly escaped his demons.
Soundtrack
As mentioned before, Delirium’s unsettling score is composed by Nathan Whitehead (The Purge series). Its use of unsettling strings and haunting vocals perfectly captures the movie’s eerie atmosphere.
Analysis
Delirium is a movie that rewards repeated viewings. Its intricate plot and hidden symbolism make it an excellent choice for fans who enjoy dissecting movies and analyzing their deeper meanings.
By examining the movie’s themes of mental illness, trauma, and family dysfunction, viewers can gain a better understanding of what drives its characters and how their pasts shape their present circumstances. It’s a thought-provoking horror movie that leaves a lasting impression.
Special effects
While Delirium doesn’t rely heavily on special effects, the few instances where they’re used are effective in creating a sense of terror. The movie’s practical effects and makeup work are particularly impressive, with some scenes featuring gruesome visuals that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Development
Delirium was originally titled Home before undergoing several script revisions. It was also delayed multiple times before finally being released in 2018.
In an interview with Bloody Disgusting, director Dennis Iliadis revealed that he wanted to make a horror movie that explored mental illness in a thoughtful way. He also praised the performances of Topher Grace and Genesis Rodriguez, who he said brought depth to their characters beyond what was written on the page.
Dialogue
One standout aspect of Delirium is its naturalistic dialogue. The characters feel like real people with real emotions and motivations, making it all the more terrifying when their world starts to unravel around them.
Crews
Delirium features an impressive crew who worked tirelessly to create its terrifying atmosphere. Director Dennis Iliadis brings his experience from directing notable horror movies like The Last House on the Left to this project, while cinematographer Mihai Malaimare Jr. (The Master) brings a unique visual style to each scene.
Criticism
While Delirium has been well-received by audiences overall, some critics have criticized its reliance on clichéd horror tropes and predictability. However, others have praised its exploration of complex themes and its ability to create a sense of dread that lingers long after the movie ends.
Production
Delirium underwent a lengthy production process, including several delays and script revisions. However, director Dennis Iliadis and his team managed to deliver a movie that’s both visually stunning and thematically rich.
Editing
Delirium features expert editing by editor Timothy Alverson (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre). The movie’s pacing is spot on, gradually building tension until it reaches a thrilling climax that will leave you gasping for air.
In Conclusion
Delirium is a horror movie that will leave you breathless. Its nuanced exploration of mental illness and family trauma sets it apart from other movies in the genre, while its eerie atmosphere and unpredictable plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you’re a fan of psychological horror or simply looking for something different from your average scary movie, then Delirium is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to question everything you thought you knew about reality.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 96
- Release : 2018-05-10
- Genre : Thriller, Horror
- Cast : Topher Grace as Tom, Kelli Barksdale as Teenage Girl, Patricia Clarkson as Brody, Marty Eli Schwartz as Frank, Cody Sullivan as Young Alex
- Crew : Leonardo DiCaprio as Producer, Graham King as Producer, Mihai Malaimare Jr. as Director of Photography, Timothy Alverson as Editor, Tim Headington as Producer
- Popularity 8.094
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Appian Way, Blumhouse Productions, GK Films
- Summary : A man recently released from a mental institute inherits a mansion after his parents die. After a series of disturbing events, he comes to believe it is haunted.
- Tagline : It’s all in your head
