The Radleys Review: The vampire movie you didn’t know you needed

The Radleys, a 2024 British comedy-horror film directed by Euros Lyn, is a surprising mix of dark humor and suburban horror. Based on Matt Haig's 2010 book of the same name, the plot centers on a seemingly normal family hiding a vampire secret.

Offering a fresh interpretation of the vampire genre, this film was released on October 18, 2024, in theaters and on Sky Cinema.

The Radleys live in a quiet English town, where their efforts to hide their true nature are shattered when Clara, their daughter, uncovers the family’s vampirism. The plot thickens when Peter, the father, invites his more dangerous brother, Will, into the mix. What starts as a simple attempt to maintain secrecy soon spirals into chaos.

It's a well-paced story of a family’s attempt to suppress their vampiric tendencies while maintaining a picture-perfect suburban life.

The official synopsis states:

"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."

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers. Reader's discretion is advised.

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The Radleys: Living as suburban monsters

In the movie, The Radleys try to live normal lives, despite being vampires. They refrain from drinking blood, so generating an odd conflict between their need to fit into society and their primal instincts.

The family is forced to face their actual nature when their teenage daughter Clara realizes her bloodlust. This event adds a layer of coming-of-age horror as the teenage Radleys try to balance adolescent guilt with terrible cravings.

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Will Radley’s arrival: The tipping point

The family dynamic becomes even more complicated when Will, Peter's brother, arrives. Unlike Peter, who clings to his disciplined, abstaining lifestyle, Will indulges in his vampiric urges. His arrival pushes the family towards their inevitable downfall, adding excitement to the film’s plot.

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Chaos unfolds: The third act

As the story nears its end, The Radleys unravel completely. What was once a tightly controlled secret becomes public knowledge. The family’s perfect suburban image crumbles and the audience is left wondering if they can ever return to a “normal” life. This gripping final act solidifies the film as an exciting entry into the vampire genre, blending both horror and humor seamlessly.

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Production and direction

Euros Lyn, known for his work on Heartstopper and Doctor Who, delivers a film that honors the source material and also takes it in new directions. Lyn’s transition from television to feature films shows promise, though some of the pacing could have been tighter. Despite this, his handling of both horror and comedy elements shines through.

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The cast

Damian Lewis leads the cast with a dual role, playing both Peter and Will Radley. His ability to embody two drastically different characters is impressive. Kelly Macdonald, as Helen Radley, provides a grounded performance, balancing the family’s chaotic energy.

The young actors, Bo Bragason and Harry Baxendale, shine as Clara and Rowan, making the coming-of-age aspect of the story feel relatable even within its supernatural framework.

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The Radleys offer a fresh interpretation of the vampire subgenre, but it falters in several places. It succeeds in presenting a darkly comic picture of a family suppressing their terrible impulses, but occasionally the pace drags and some of the subplots feel underdeveloped.

Still, the movie is a strong adaptation of Matt Haig's book, with Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald giving especially excellent performances.