The Radleys (2024) is a dark comedy-drama that explores the complexities of a family concealing their true nature. Directed by Euros Lyn and based on Matt Haig’s novel, the film stars Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald as Peter and Helen Radley, parents striving to maintain a facade of normalcy in suburban England. Unbeknownst to their teenage children, Clara and Rowan, portrayed by Bo Bragason and Harry Baxendale respectively, the family harbors a secret—they are vampires abstaining from blood consumption. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Clara, unaware of her lineage, inadvertently kills a boy and succumbs to her innate thirst for blood. This incident forces Peter and Helen to disclose their vampiric identity to their children, unraveling the carefully constructed semblance of normality.

As the Radleys grapple with their revelation, Peter seeks assistance from his estranged twin brother, Will, also played by Damian Lewis, who openly embraces his vampiric nature. Will’s arrival introduces a chaotic dynamic, challenging the family’s commitment to abstinence and thrusting them into a series of darkly comedic events. The film delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the inherent struggle between one’s nature and the desire for normalcy. Premiering at the 2024 Edinburgh International Film Festival, “The Radleys” was released in cinemas and on Sky Cinema on October 18, 2024.