Year: 2007
Runtime: 107 min
Language: English
Director: Tom DiCillo
A renowned photographer searching for his next iconic image takes on Toby, a spirited young man living on the streets of New York City, as an assistant. Toby is captivated by the excitement and glamour of the photography world, and a unique friendship develops between the two. As Toby pursues his own acting ambitions and experiences the temptations of fame, he must confront difficult choices about loyalty and the true meaning of success in this story of friendship and personal growth.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Delirious yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Delirious (2007), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film opens with a homeless young man, Toby Grace, navigating the streets of New York City as he searches for spare change and a means to survive. One fateful day, he inadvertently crosses paths with aspiring photographer, Les Galantine, who is loitering outside a building waiting for the famous singer K’Harma Leeds (portrayed by Alison Lohman) to exit. Intrigued by Toby’s honesty and resourcefulness, Les takes him in for the night, welcoming his help in managing household tasks around the apartment such as fixing the stationary bike and attending to a malfunctioning radiator.
As the story unfolds, Les introduces Toby to the vibrant nightlife where he becomes infatuated with K’Harma, the rising star on the music scene. Les capitalizes on his relationship with Toby to gain access to notable events, including a memorable incident where he snaps controversial photos of Chuck Sirloin, a flashy actor (played by Jack Gwaltney) undergoing a private surgery. These photos quickly attract the attention of a local tabloid and highlight Les’s potential as a photographer.
During an STD Daytime Drama Benefit, Toby catches the eye of casting director Dana (Gina Gershon), who is drawn to his naivety and sincerity. As she decides to mentor him, Toby’s life begins to change dramatically. His newfound connection with K’Harma deepens when a chance encounter leads to a heart-to-heart conversation, revealing a sense of stability that contrasts with her chaotic lifestyle. K’Harma invites Toby to a party featuring Elvis Costello, but when Les takes photos at the event, he unwittingly incites K’Harma’s wrath, resulting in their expulsion from the party.
With Toby’s growing fame after appearing in a reality show that showcases his life as a homeless individual, the dynamics between him and Les shift. Feeling betrayed by Toby’s rapid rise to stardom and sensing insufficient gratitude for his earlier support, Les begins to devise a plan for revenge. This emerging rivalry marks a turning point in their relationship, showcasing the complexities of loyalty and ambition in the cutthroat world of fame and photography. The film intricately weaves a narrative filled with unexpected twists, emotional connections, and the harsh realities of navigating the fine line between friendship and exploitation in pursuit of success.
Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Satirical journeys into the seductive but treacherous world of fame and celebrity.If you enjoyed the satirical look at celebrity culture in Delirious, you'll appreciate these other movies like it. This collection features similar stories exploring ambition, public image, and the bittersweet reality behind the glamour, perfect for fans of dramedies about fame.
This thread gathers stories where characters are drawn into a world of perceived glamour and opportunity, often through a mentor or a lucky break. The initial excitement gives way to a more complex examination of the system's cynicism, leading to conflicts of loyalty and questions about authenticity versus success.
These films are grouped by their shared satirical tone and their focus on the duality of fame. They blend comedic observations with dramatic weight, creating a bittersweet experience that questions the very allure they depict. The pacing is often steady, allowing the characters' disillusionment to unfold naturally.
Stories of unstable friendships where loyalty is challenged by ambition and changing circumstances.Looking for more movies with complex mentor relationships like in Delirious? This list features films about friendships tested by fame and ambition, capturing the bittersweet dynamic of loyalty and betrayal. Discover similar stories of personal growth and difficult choices.
The narrative pattern follows the formation of a deep, often imbalanced friendship that serves as a catalyst for change for one or both characters. As one character rises or their goals evolve, the foundational trust of the relationship is tested, leading to dramatic friction and a re-evaluation of what they owe each other.
This thread connects movies through their focus on the emotional arc of a pivotal friendship. They share a medium emotional weight and a steady pacing that allows the relationship to develop and fracture believably. The tone is typically bittersweet, balancing the warmth of connection with the pain of its potential collapse.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Delirious in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Delirious is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Delirious with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Delirious. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Delirious that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Delirious: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Delirious that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Delirious (2007) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Delirious (2007) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Delirious (2007) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Delirious – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
A Long Way Down (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
De-Lovely (2004) Full Movie Breakdown
The New Romantic (2018) Film Overview & Timeline
Celebrity (1998) Story Summary & Characters
Here Today (2021) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Fool's Paradise (2023) Complete Plot Breakdown
Undiscovered (2005) Movie Recap & Themes
The Show (2017) Film Overview & Timeline
The Real Blonde (1998) Story Summary & Characters
Get Well Soon (2001) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Delirium Tremens (2019) Complete Plot Breakdown
Delirious (1991) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Outrageous! (1977) Complete Plot Breakdown
Delightfully Dangerous (1945) Film Overview & Timeline
Delirious Saturdays (1979) Movie Recap & Themes