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The Radleys is a highly anticipated 2024 British comedy horror film directed by Euros Lyn. The film has garnered attention right from its Edinburgh International Film Festival premiere to its 18 October 2024 cinema and Sky Cinema release.
In a small English town, a suburban family hides their vampire identity. The film blends horror and humor to show a family trying to live normally while battling their vampiric instincts.
The Radleys was adapted from the 2010 novel of the same name by British author Matt Haig. Falling under the young adult genre, the novel investigates related issues of family, identity, and repression of basic impulses.
The movie remains faithful to the book’s core themes but enhances the narrative through visuals, performances, and an intensified plotline.
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The official synopsis of the movie reads:
"It follows a seemingly ordinary family with a dark secret: they are vampires. They choose not to drink blood despite their natural cravings, but their truth is revealed one day."
About The Radleys: The book adaptation
Mathew Haig's book The Radleys is about a family of vampires who have chosen to live a bloodless life. The parents, Peter and Helen Radley, have kept their kids, Rowan and Clara, in the dark about who they really are. The novel presents their struggles to maintain this lifestyle and the complications that arise when their children's inherent bloodlust is triggered.
The adaptation focuses on the key incidents from the book. One of the main turning points is when Clara, unaware of her vampiric identity, experiences a sudden thirst for blood after an encounter with a classmate.
This event propels the family into turmoil as they must reveal their secret. Meanwhile, Peter’s twin brother Will, an active vampire, arrives to further complicate matters.
Also read: The Radleys: Full list of cast
Exploring the themes in The Radleys
In both the book and the film, the family tries to suppress their vampiric nature, which becomes a metaphor for abstinence and personal identity. The parents' struggle to hide who they are from their children reflects societal pressures to conform to norms. The film adaptation portrays these themes vividly, showing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on them.
Family dynamics
A significant theme in the movie is the tension within the family as they try to maintain normalcy. Peter and Helen’s relationship strains under the weight of their secret, while the children grapple with their confusion and emerging instincts. The film captures these dynamics with added intensity, showcasing how the family’s attempt to live like regular humans starts to unravel.
Production and direction of The Radleys
The movie was brought to life under the direction of Euros Lyn, known for his work on popular British shows like Doctor Who. The film’s script was adapted by Talitha Stevenson, who skillfully preserved the essence of Matt Haig’s novel.
Damian Lewis, who plays both Peter and Will Radley, also served as an executive producer through his company, Ginger Biscuit Entertainment. The film’s production began in London in June 2023, with additional shooting locations in Yorkshire.
The production team, including producer Debbie Gray, managed to retain the dark humor of the book while adding a cinematic flair that sets the film apart. Genesius Productions handled the project, with Cornerstone Films managing worldwide sales.
The cast of The Radleys
The cast is another strong point of the adaptation. Damian Lewis shines in his dual role as both Peter and Will, displaying the contrast between the two brothers with remarkable range. Kelly Macdonald plays Helen Radley, the matriarch trying to keep the family together despite the increasing chaos.
Supporting performances by Harry Baxendale as Rowan Radley and Bo Bragason as Clara Radley bring depth to the story of the children’s discovery of their real identity. Other notable cast members include Siân Phillips, Shaun Parkes, and Sophia Di Martino, who add to the film’s rich ensemble.
The book's movie adaptation captures the darkly comedic essence of Matt Haig’s novel while adding new layers of suspense and drama. The movie promises to be an addition to the vampire subgenre with its combination of horror, humor, and human emotions. Both the book faithful and viewers new to the world of the story will find it engaging.
