The Radleys Review: A Charming Vampire Fam Arrive in Time for Halloween

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As a cinephile with a soft spot for quirky films and a particular fondness for Damian Lewis’ acting prowess, I must say that Lionsgate’s “The Radleys” was an intriguing watch. The film offers a fresh take on the vampire genre, set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic suburban community in the U.K., where our protagonists are not just ordinary residents but creatures of the night.

Currently, Damian Lewis is well-known for his roles in the popular TV series “Billions” and “Homeland”. However, long before these shows, he delivered a striking dual performance in the movie adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “Dreamcatcher”. In this film, his character Jonesy transforms from a heroic figure into the malevolent alien Mr. Gray. Most recently, Lewis has taken on another intriguing dual role in the movie “The Radleys”, where he portrays twin brothers, and here’s an interesting twist – they are modern-day vampires!

In the Lionsgate’s latest release, timed for Halloween, Kelly Macdonald, famously recognized from HBO’s ‘Boardwalk Empire’, assumes the roles of wife, mother, sister-in-law, and a woman in distress, opposite Lewis’ twins. The story revolves around a family that, despite not being actively bloodthirsty currently, becomes so when one of the twin brothers portrayed by Lewis arrives at their doorstep. This unexpected visit triggers a series of gruesome events within an otherwise peaceful, suburban neighborhood.

Under the guidance of director Euros Lyn, based on Matt Haig’s novel, The Radleys stands out by providing a unique, offbeat perspective within the realm of vampires in cinema. Regrettably, towards the end, it strays into multiple genres simultaneously – yet it seems to deliver insufficient elements of each genre, which is unfortunate. Despite this, Lewis captivates with his multifaceted performances that often overlap.

Creatures of Suburbia

In the film, despite the prominent presence of an alum from “Billions,” it’s unexpected to find that the occasional narrations are actually voiced by one of his fictional children. Contrary to expectations, which might have been set by the star-studded cast, the narrative focus in “The Radleys” shifts away from the parents, portrayed by these renowned Hollywood figures. Instead, the story revolves around Rowan (played by Harry Baxendale), a teenage character who struggles with his identity in a suburban neighborhood that borders on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the U.K.

Apart from him, there’s Clara (Bo Bragason), his sibling with a troubled disposition, who often challenges him at home. To make matters worse, their parents, Helen and Dr. Peter (Macdonald and Lewis), are overly strict, adhering to a traditional parenting style in a neat, well-maintained household, creating an ideal living situation on the surface – but not without its challenges.

However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the narrative, as stereotypes associated with dysfunctional families gradually emerge, ultimately creating a biting satire of superficial suburban life. Yet, despite this, we are already aware that the Radleys hide their true nature as nocturnal beings. Interestingly, in this unique vampire world, they can endure daylight and maintain an active presence during the day, which is quite handy given that they appear paler than those living in their community.

At their home, it’s apparent that neither Peter nor Clara share a romantic or intimate relationship with each other. Interestingly, Peter develops a flirtatious dynamic with one of his patients (Sophia Di Martino) in his office. Meanwhile, Clara unexpectedly discloses her affection for Peter’s twin brother Will (Lewis), who pays an impromptu visit to the family home in his motorhome at one point.

Damian Lewis? She’ll Take a Double

In stark contrast to Peter, twin brother Will exhibits traits that are entirely distinct, which might be the reason Clara became entangled in a clandestine love triangle involving the siblings. With his long, unruly hair, gentler eyes, and edgier fashion sense, Will embodies a spirit of freedom. Regardless of Clara’s pretense of animosity toward her brother-in-law, it is amusing to observe how she repeatedly finds herself drawn back to Will in various ways throughout the movie.

In many worlds filled with vampires, these blood-thirsty creatures have the power to mesmerize ordinary people. So, when our family found itself entangled in some violent vampire affairs that attracted unwanted attention from the police, my girlfriend Clara cleverly utilized my charm to distract the local officers away from suspecting us. As it turns out, where there’s a Will, there’s always a solution – even if my mom, Clara, remains skeptical about it.

In a different town, a father named Jared (Shaun Parkes) is oblivious to the reality: his teenage son Evan (Jay Lycurgo), who has feelings for Rowan, the Radleys’ son, is not the issue here. Instead, Jared is in denial about the tranquil facade of his community. He firmly believes that sinister creatures are systematically eliminating his fellow townspeople, and he has gathered evidence to support this theory, complete with maps, suspect lists, and so on. Contrary to popular belief, Jared isn’t rejecting his son’s sexuality but rather questioning the supposed peacefulness of their community.

This delightful subplot enriches a captivating mini dark comedy perfect for Halloween, and the movie really shines when lead actor Lewis portrays his twin brother characters with a balance. You might find hints of “The Royal Tenenbaums” in the scenes where the charming uncle Will takes the rebellious Rowan on a wild night out, allowing him to momentarily escape the turmoil at home. If only the film maintained its pace consistently rather than faltering occasionally.

Starting October 4th, you’ll find the movie titled “The Radleys” from Lionsgate available for viewing in theaters, on demand, and digitally!

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2024-10-05 19:03