Delirium (2014 TV Movie) User Reviews

Do I Dare Disturb The Universe

[georgina10 · 8/10 · 8 July 2014]

I went into this without knowing it was a TV pilot and without knowing it was not picked up! Probably a good thing to do whenever watching something new - you are left with a very genuine opinion. I LOVED IT and WANTED MORE! That, in one sentence is what my opinion is of Delirium - I thought this was a movie and was glued to it from the beginning. My ONLY disappointment was at the end when I wanted more and went looking for part 2 or information on follow up episodes to learn it was a TV pilot and has NOT been picked up! Disappointed is an under statement!! This was a great story and I was deeply involved in how this would all turn out for them. Great cast, very believable story line, and emotional involvement for both sides of the "Delirium" debate. Would you have the procedure? and to the parents that have had it done are you any better? Could you really spend your life without these deep feelings and emotions? .These were great questions that would no doubt have been dealt with in future episodes. I was on the edge of my seat at the end for Lena and was excited to see what was next for her, would she meet her Father? would she be reunited with her new love interest, would he survive? These are all the right kind of questions you want for a TV series, you want viewers WANTING MORE and Delirium ticked all those boxes!. To those who have read the book and said it is nothing like it etc etc , then I say THIS was just 1 episode , a pilot, a TASTE of the book series and a sample of what was to come and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I agree with others who also enjoyed it and have said they are tired of the endless "cop shows" being picked up , yet we have something different here in Delirium that would suit a whole range of viewers and it failed to get picked up....... WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? I am a huge fan of Criminal Minds and CSI and Blue Bloods or so many of the same style Comedies but there is plenty of room for something completely new, something like Delirium. "DO I DARE DISTURB THE UNIVERSE" = ironic!

In many ways, Delirium appears inspired by The Giver, but is more angled toward appealing to those who would like something Divergent style.

[Amari-Sali · 6/10 · 27 June 2014]

WIGS is a web station which has a sole focus of having women in leading roles, well for the most part white women, but it has to be said that most of their programming certainly does force the idea that just because something is web based, it doesn't mean it is an inferior product. Especially when compared to something which traditionally would premiere on TV. Delirium is no different for while it does seem like a CW show, or maybe one of ABC Family's weaker offerings back when The Secret Life of the American Teenager was their biggest hit, it nonetheless surely has an audience.

Topic 1: A Loveless Society – Lena & Hannah

Sometime in the future love has seemingly become taboo and banished from a person's emotions when they are 18. Up until then, everything, in school anyway, is separate. Boy have classes with boys and girls have classes with girls, and then when you are 18 you lose the ability to develop love for someone and are paired off. Needless to say, this seems less than ideal, but in their world it solves so many problems.

For example, heartache, and the violence which can come with it, seems to be eliminated. For example, Lena's (Emma Roberts) mother killed herself upon being told her husband died, thus leaving Lena to be raised by her older sister and husband. However, just because people are taught to avoid love like it is cooties, it doesn't mean girls don't get giddy over the prospect of who the government will arrange their spouse to be. Lena's best friend Hannah (Jeanine Mason), for example, is skittish and worries over who her husband is to be. Though, lucky for her, she ends up getting the son of a senator.

Topic 2: Those in Power – Thomas

A group known as DFA, a major supplier of the Deliria prevention drug, is ran by Thomas Fineman (Billy Campbell). A man who seems solely invested in the treatment of Deliria due to his heart being broken by a young lady named Sunny when he was a teenager. But while he may tout the end of the plague, which is love, as being something good, and a nationwide issue, he is a slight hypocrite. Which I say solely because not only does he have banned literature and music in his study, which inspire feelings of love, but also still holds onto a picture of Sunny, the girl who broke his heart. All of which is discovered by his son Julian (Gregg Sulkin) who has yet to be vaccinated, and may not be able to due to a low white blood cell count. Though if Thomas had his way, he would never mind what the doctors say and make sure his son got vaccinated. Something which may have to be done soon since Julian seems to be a bit of a voyeur with Hannah being a prime target.

Topic 3: The Resistance – Lena & Alex

However, Hannah isn't the only target of someone, or should I say something, on the show. Lena is a target as well, but more so of the resistance movement. You see, very much like The Giver there is a fence, or wall, which separates those being controlled and those who are not. Something Thomas worries about especially when the resistance movement attacks his facility and steals documents. Leading to why Thomas and Senator Hargrove (Michael Michele) meet. For his 5 million DFA members, all he wants it the ability to search people's homes without a warrant. Something he gets.

What he doesn't realize though is that the resistance has infiltrated his armed forces, as well as the senator's staff. As for why Lena matters in all this? Well her father, the would-be dead Conrad Holoway, was a major player in creating the Deliria cure. But, from what we learn of the resistance members, it seems he realized how destructive the cure was so he decided to try to reverse its effects. Due to this, not only was he locked away, but his family was told he died. However, with his escape comes a 2nd chance for the end of the Deliria cure and Lena is the key to finding Conrad for they expect him to come looking for her.

Thus leading to them sending Alex (Daren Kagasoff) in to romance her and bring her beyond the fence. For with his position as a cop he has a wide range of movement and, with him being young and attractive, I'm sure they figure him a better operative than someone who could try to convince her with words alone. And damn if he not only befriends Lena, and makes her feel the emotion of love, but to seal her fate he delivers a nice ole' kiss on the girl.

Unfortunately for Lena though, when she decides to have a moment with Hannah and share her feelings, it backfires. Hannah tells Lena's older sister, her sister calls the cops, and Lena is almost forced into getting the Deliria cure. That is until Alex rams the cop's car and saves Lena, though at the sacrifice of himself. Leading me to wonder if Alex is going to be punished, or try to play as if he couldn't keep control of her.

Either way, I got to admit this was kind of a boring show. Roberts just doesn't make for a good lead in this "I have been lied to my whole life" type of story, and none of the characters, whether hero, villain, or in between, really get your attention in this pilot. Making me wonder if the book this is based off of is any better.

Great plot, bad casting.

[ebookerys · 8/10 · 6 September 2016]

I admire this book, really. It has an amazing story line. And I was delighted when I heard this book to be adapted into TV Movie. When I saw the first time, I particularly liked the casting Emma Roberts as Lena. Because she does look like Lena description! Eyes that aren't green or brown, but a muddle. Not thin but not fat either. The only thing you could definitely say about Lena is: She's short. and I think she's great portrayed as Lena. Daren Kagasoff as Alex, are you kidding? he did not look like Alex. In the book Alex is describe with golden brown hair, like leaves in autumn just as they're turning, and he has bright amber eyes. He's tricky one. and I thought Alex Pettyfer would look great as Alex Sheathes. And poor Hana, she is nowhere near Hana description. Hana has golden hair, halo hair and bright gray eyes, not black. I prefer Ashley Benson as Hana.

Pretty good pilot. I really hope that one day it will become a movie. Because the story of this book is fascinating.

(sorry if my grammar is messy)

Great pilot episode!

[marichigan3 · 10/10 · 29 July 2014]

This aired an a pilot episode on Hulu after it was rejected as a series for the Fox channel.

I actually wish that I never watched this because after seeing it I longed for another episode, but then after a quick google search realized there would not be another. It's a great thriller romance and the plot is fairly original. I think the actors chosen also played their parts well and none of them came with a predetermined character type that they usually play the role of.

Great show and I wish it could have been picked up; I'll just have to read the books to find out what happens.

Waste of a good story and cast

[lotte1992 · 2/10 · 6 August 2014]

Because I liked the books I was pretty excited about this series and to see how this would translate onto the small screen. After watching the first episode I was pretty disappointed. The story moves way to fast and does not spend enough time introducing the characters or explaining the concept. The relationships between the characters evolve to quick and are very unbelievable.

I feel like they really wanted to put as much of the books storyline into this one episode and it causes the whole thing the feel hasted. I truly don't understand why the pace had to be so fast and why they did not just take more time to get into the characters and the story.

All and all it was a complete waste of some really good story material. The acting on the other side was pretty good, I was especially impressed with Emma Roberts who plays the lead as Lena. It is a shame that they rushed the thing because they really could have made a great show with this cast and story.

Exceeded My Expectations

[toria-18 · 10/10 · 26 June 2014]

I just thought I would give my thoughts on this show since I am such a massive fan of the book trilogy and Lauren Oliver's work. When I first heard it was going to be made into a TV show rather than a movie series, I was shocked and scared .. As normally TV adaptions are further from the book than they would be if a movie. However Delirium exceeded my expectations. Yes many things are changed from the book, But i honestly believe that it didn't ruin the series for me at all. I really loved it, seeing how the city was portrayed and the characters come to life on a screen, It was amazing and I thought it was great. Definitely better than i thought and I would recommend that anyone who read the books or is curious about the show to watch it. I actually loved seeing this interpretation of it.. I know it has changed a lot but that's what's supposed to happen, we get a different take on the books and get to see it come to life and I loved that. I am bitterly disappointed that the show was not picked up by a station and I wish we could see the ending to Delirium. I would do anything to see this show finished and completed and I beg whoever is in charge .. to make more! It really needs to be finished off !! I was thoroughly enjoying it and I am hoping with all my heart that it continues on!! Thanks!!

A MAJOR disappointment.

[eas-20835 · 1/10 · 27 November 2018]

I have read the delerium series and loved each book. This pilot is could not be farther from the books. I get that adaptations won't be exactly like the books but this adaptation ruined the plotline and the characters. First of all, they rushed the important events and took forever to get through the minor events. They also sabotaged the characters by changing the things that set the character apart from the others and disreguarding all of the traits that made the characters relatable. New characters were added that didn't really aid in telling the story and only left you confused. There was a lot of bad acting and you could completely tell that those scenes were forced and scripted. I have seen other adaptations that have at least been in the same ballpark but this is a major disappointment.

Major Case of Cliff Hanger

[elizabethe1223 · 10/10 · 28 December 2014]

This movie was AMAZING! I just wish there was a sequel to it because where it leaves off is not a good place. I don't understand why FOX has not adopted this movie project and televised it even, it would make a killing. The actors are AMAZING and you can feel the chemistry between Emma Roberts who plays the female lead: Lena, and Daren Kagasoff who plays the male lead in love with Lena: Alex, just the simple things they do make the movie that much greater. This is a hit and hopefully FOX gets some sense and realizes that. It is not too late for this to be shown and forwarded. Crossing my fingers that a sequel comes to life! There are just so many unanswered questions that people who have not read the books will not understand, and frankly people who have would like to see what they have been envisioning in their heads play out on screen. It is refreshing to see characters come to life through film and these actors do a fantastic job and should continue playing out the love and adventure of Lena, Alex, and all the other characters too!

Hmmm

[tifftoffvolly · 2/10 · 10 August 2015]

After loving the books so completely, I was sad to see this badly made short. It squashed, what was, an entire book into a shabby 40 minute episode that by no means aligned with the book. For a start, Lena's mother, not her father, was locked in the crypts. There were also scenes at Lena's uncles shop that I saw as crucial for the development of the love between Alex and Lena. She also did not live with her sister, but with her aunt. Plus her cousin Grace who is a big part of why Lena does not want to leave is left out completely. Then there is the part where Lena and Alex cross the border just for a day to visit his caravan type thing and what happened to picnics in the abandoned house? Also, when Lena crosses the fence at the end there is supposed to be anyone waiting on the other side, that's why she finds Riven, Tack and the other invalids in the second book. (Note I have not said everything that's missing) To conclude many developmental parts have not been included, the love was rushed, the entire thing was rushed. Over all it was disappointing and only followed the book loosely, revealing different things at different times. Also the amount of knowledge we were given about people that we had not met yet in the books wasted valuable screen time and gave to much away to quickly, diminishing the elements of surprise and/or curiosity. My advice: Don't watch!

Watchable.

[shannonisartistic · 24 August 2014]

This is a pilot for a show; it is not a movie.

This pilot was interesting and as much as I wanted to love the show, I did not. I thought it had potential, but however did not live up to my expectations from all of its promotion.

The show is worth the watch at least for the concept. I have not watched anything from the WIGS network before, so that also made the show intriguing.

There are holes in the plot and the special effects could be far better. Where it was going to lead was very obvious; I am not sure if that was bad directing or if that is how the book was written.

If they would have continued the show I would have watched it for the concept, not because I loved the show. There are a lot of shows I watch because I like the type of show it is (like science fiction or fantasy).

Wanted the rest!

[tanashawatson · 9/10 · 4 June 2022]

First thing first if you have read the books you will be disappointed in the changes made. However, if able to over look that and look at this as a stand alone project from the novels its actually very good! I loved the novels but this pilot was really good I found Emma did a great job and so did rest of the cast. The plot was so good and I was itching for more when it ended. I wish they would have released the whole thing not just one episode.

A far cry from the actual book.....

[bohemianhiker · 1/10 · 22 June 2014]

I have never written a review for a movie or a book, but after seeing this movie I just had to put my two cents in for obvious reasons... I read Delirium by Lauren Oliver at the beginning of the year. I must say never once had I cried so much after reading a book, nor had I ever been moved to the point of actually making a Tshirt with the slogan in honor of a book, just to keep the memory alive! I know some of you may be thinking, that's a bit rad... But if you have read the book, then you won't think I am utterly insane. It is that moving, and stirs up emotions in you that is hard to shake. It is by far the best book I have read this year. So let's get down to my verdict on the movie. First of all, I had no idea a film was being made, even though I had often fantasized about the idea. However, a friend whom I had discussed Delirium with, and who had also read the book found out about the movie and invited me to a private viewing. Realizing Emma Edwards was the lead cast member evoked mixed feelings, as I wasn't sure if she was the right person to play Lena Holoway. But I didn't want to jump to any conclusions until I had seen the whole movie. The heightened anticipation sunk like an iron blimp after the first 5mins. It's safe to say that the movie has ruined the memory of the actual story for me. I mean imagine starting on page one and suddenly fast forwarding to chapter ten! It made no sense whatsoever. The way Alex and Lena's relationship evolved was portrayed totally differently from the book. Both characters lacked chemistry in the movie, and Hana's role was totally confusing, and made no sense. Lena was supposed to be living with her aunt and her little cousin, and hardly saw her sister. However, in the movie, she lived with her sister. At the end when she escaped with Alex in the book, I remember experiencing this burst of intense adrenaline induced heart pounding sensation, that made me feel like I was actually the one on the run. The escape scene in the movie, again is totally different, and a total let down. It was like an after thought crammed in, and was almost laughable. That's how pathetic it was. I understand that a whole book cannot be crammed into a movie...but please don't change the story line! So many books have been made into movies, and there is always an element of disappointment, but Delirium takes home the award for totally pointless. I was absolutely infuriated, and left feeling cheated after the movie. It failed to arouse any sort of emotion in me, and I felt like I spent 45mins trying to ask a chicken why it crossed the road. I hate to burst your bubbles if you have been eagerly waiting to see this movie. It is absolutely not worth it. I wish I could undo seeing the movie, so I can keep the beautiful memory of the book intact and unspoilt. This movie goes to show that not all books work as a movie. I think it could have worked with the right lead characters, and more time invested into developing the characters and keeping to the original storyline. Not sure what they set out to achieve, but the end was left as if to be continued...as Alex didn't appear to be dead, and Lena failed to show any emotion as Alex was held down by the police after being shot. To say the movie was utterly disappointing and a complete waste of time, has to be be the understatement of the century. Non of the characters were good, and the story forgettable. The movie is an epic fail. Watch if you like the feeling of being cheated out of a good story.

Remember this is a TV programme not a movie

[vicki736 · 5/10 · 30 June 2014]

I felt the need to remind a lot of the reviewers that this is to be a television programme not a movie franchise.

I was a bit disheartened when I watched the pilot as doing a whole book in one episode has sort of rushed the whole Lena/Alex falling in love plot, I totally agree with the reviews of this side of things. I think what they are trying to do is work away from the book with this and explore things the book doesn't. With television you can do this as you have a lot of episodes and seasons to do this and can last a long time. I do think they could have done the first book over a few more episodes to develop characters and plot more.

People have said that they not sticking to the story - with television they more or less will always change major aspects of a story and characters, Game of Thrones, under the dome and Vampire Diaries do this a lot, Vampire diaries dramatically so.

I think I would need to see where they take this before I can give a better opinion, but if you are watching based on the book you will be disappointed, but it does have the power to go much further than the book could.

Drying Paint is More Interesting

[insertnamehere32 · 1/10 · 17 September 2016]

Did the producers, writers, whoever even glance at the book? If you've read the book, don't bother watching this drivel. Can we start with the fact that it opens with the main character in a car with her sister, despite the fact that in the book it says she is poor and hardly anyone owns cars anymore? Also, her sister Rachel is not supposed to really be in the picture. Where are Carol, Grace and Jenny?

Also WHO in the F are the Finemans? Now you're making up characters? The whole initial meeting with Alex is absolute BULLSHIT. And it was supposed to be cows, not sheep.

I stopped watching at this point because it was just so awful and I felt bad for the cast because it must be impossible to put forth your best effort with such shitastic writing.

Never been so disappointed in an adapted movie. Where was Lauren Oliver during the making of this tragic film?

What just happened?

[soffiash · 1/10 · 24 June 2014]

Spoiler alert! For those who haven't read the books, reading on is your responsibility.

This pilot didn't give the story the possibility to enhance and evolve. It did it no justice, but belittled the story and it's author.

I, like the person that reviewed this before me, have never, ever written a review here on IMDb, not even when the story of Eragon was destroyed. Now, I can't hold it in. Lena Holloway's story is beautiful and it touches you. The first book begins like a normal teenage cliché but the story just gets better. This pilot did this book and it's author wrong. The relationship between Lena and Alex takes the bigger part of the first book to evolve, and it needs to take all that time, because of how forbidden love is in Lena's live, how she deals with it and how she comes to terms with it. How their love evolves is the essence of the first book, it's the point, it's the reason everything goes the way it does, and in this pilot it is belittled. Lena Holloway lives in a suburb in an old and skimpy house with her aunt and uncle and two cousins, the younger one doesn't talk and only takes comfort in Lena. They do have a phone, but only in the kitchen and it's rarely used. They mostly use oil and candles because electricity has gotten so expensive. They're poor, and it's supposed to show, it matters. About the "cured" ones, they don't smile unless there is a good, solid reason for it, and then you can barely tell if they're smiling. And they certainly do not laugh. They are almost robot like, there are no emotions, just responsibility and duty. The time Lena and Alex spent together is so much more important than this episode makes it look like, but here everything happens way to quickly, like they were trying to put a whole book, and a part of a second one, in a 40 minute episode. It should have been only the first book and a 2 hour move that would have given it justice! What gives the second book it's wings and the possibility of Julian's character is also the way Lena saw Alex die. The part about the prison/mental hospital is also way more important than it is demonstrated in this pilot. And it was her mother that was held captive there, not her father, and that fact is of great importance. Those people on the other side of the fence are also not a part of the first book and have nothing to do with Alex. This episode also skipped the part where Alex and Lena go over the fence together without being caught and he shows her things she never imagined existed, like poems and fantasy books and more. And how Lena and Alex planned to escape and how everything went wrong, was also belittled. What was also supposed to be his death was done no justice. And there was no one waiting on the other side of the fence when Lena got over in the end of the book, she ran for hours, days, until she passed out and was found. Julian and his father are not a part of the first book, they don't appear until the second one, and we don't find out anything about them until Julian and Lena get captured together and find comfort in each other.

The characters are all wrong, they're not portrayed in the right way, this happens way to quickly and it's really messy and sad to watch. This should have been a 2 hour move, and a trilogy, where they'd try to fit in every part of the books that matter and one book at a time, thank you. But I guess that ship has sailed since they decided to do this pilot. It's the same mess as they did with Eragon, the same mistake, except Eragon was too lengthy. This was just a mess, and I'm so sorry to see such a good story wasted, I truly am.

Where is the passion and the will to make art when it comes to directing and writing scripts today? You can't just put everything in a mixer and press a button, it doesn't work that way. It will just turn out gooey and you can't tell what's what.

I'm sorry, but this was just horrible.

Sincerely

Soffía

Equilibrium. with all feelings and non of the fighting.

[sidnsami · 4/10 · 9 September 2016]

The show was a watered down romantic rip off, of the movie Equilibrium. With no fighting. Standard easily readable plot line Two characters fall in love. Get split up. Have to then find each other etc.... All the time the big leaders are living secretly with love. The cure is just to control the masses. With the sub plot of finding her father. That we know will never happen until the very last episode or he'll die after series 2. 5 minutes after finally finding him..

The whole no love but every other emotion is intact..??? Futuristic nonsense, wrapped up in a Romeo & Juliet package. Standard boring teen romance.