The Radleys Review: What if your seemingly ordinary neighbors were actually vampires? That’s the intriguing premise of Sky’s latest British vampire film, The Radleys, which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Based on Matt Haig’s novel of the same name, The Radleys features Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald as Peter and Helen Radley. Once active vampires, they’ve renounced human blood for over a decade, even keeping their true nature hidden from their children.
However, when their daughter Clara (Bo Bragason) is attacked on her way home from a party, her latent vampiric instincts emerge, leading her to kill her attacker in a brutal fashion. This incident leaves Peter and Helen with not just a body to dispose of but also a significant dilemma in explaining their true nature to Clara and her brother Rowan (Harry Baxendale).
While the vampire genre is often crowded, British takes on it are relatively rare (and we’re not counting Lesbian Vampire Killers). The Radleys aims to change that by adhering to traditional vampire lore while adding a distinct British twist.
Set in a suburban world of book clubs, repressed emotions, and awkward neighborhood gatherings, the film presents a more subdued and contained vampire story. Although it includes classic vampiric elements, the focus is less on gore and more on the family dynamics at its core.
One notable adaptation from Haig’s book is Rowan’s struggle not only with his vampirism but also with his burgeoning feelings for his neighbor Evan (Jay Lycurgo). This adds a layer of complexity to Rowan’s sense of alienation and identity, with Harry Baxendale delivering a standout performance as the socially awkward teen.
The film also introduces Peter’s brother Will, an openly practicing vampire who is now portrayed as Peter’s twin. This casting choice allows Damian Lewis to shine in a dual role, particularly as the hedonistic Will, and serves as a visual metaphor for the divergent paths Rowan and Clara face in grappling with their true selves.
The Radleys: A Bloody Finale That Makes You Care
The Radleys is not just a dry vampire tale; it’s a darkly comedic satire of suburban life. Both Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald showcase sharp comedic timing, masterfully portraying the tension of being abstinent vampires alongside the thrill of occasionally breaking free.
Fans of the book may miss the detailed exploration of The Abstainer’s Handbook, the fictional guide within Haig’s novel, but writer Talitha Stevenson pays homage to Haig’s quirky vampire world in other entertaining ways.
The film’s most remarkable feature is its ability to make you care about the Radley family by the bloody finale. Despite their vampiric nature, the characters come across as genuinely human in their desires and fears.
While you might not want to live next door to them, you’ll definitely want to welcome The Radleys into your home when it hits theaters in October.
