The Radleys 2024 offers a light take on vampire mythology, but its lack of depth and thrills makes it a forgettable watch, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
TITLE: The Radleys
RELEASED: 18 October 2024
DIRECTOR: Euros Lyn
CAST: Damian Lewis, Kelly Macdonald, Harry Baxendale, Bo Bragason, Jay Lycurgo, Siân Phillips, Shaun Parkes
Review of The Radleys 2024
The Radleys 2024 is a quick, enjoyable watch but ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression due to its shallow exploration of themes and lack of narrative commitment.
Set in the picturesque coastal town of Whitby, the film takes a refreshing approach by avoiding the cliched Dracula references often associated with the location.
However, this restraint means the setting never fully becomes an integral part of the story.
The film offers an intriguing twist on vampire lore. The Radley family does not rely on blood for survival, using it instead as a source of strength.
They can also walk in daylight, eat regular food, and age naturally, a concept that adds an interesting layer to the supernatural premise.
The ageing of the children is particularly notable, adding a unique perspective to the vampire genre.
Adapted from Matt Haig’s young adult novel, The Radleys briefly delves into themes of family, personal identity, addiction, and teenage angst.
Unfortunately, these issues are only lightly touched upon, leaving the film feeling like a surface-level exploration rather than a meaningful commentary. This lack of depth prevents it from delivering the emotional or intellectual weight it aspires to.
The performances by Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald are entertaining, with Lewis standing out as he portrays both Peter and Will Radley.
While their charisma adds charm to the film, it is not enough to overcome the more predictable and uninspired aspects of the narrative.
Comparisons to True Blood or Twilight are inevitable, but the film ultimately feels closer in tone to the 90s kiddie comedy, My Little Vampire, than anything truly innovative.
One of the film’s major weaknesses is its inability to deliver the promised thrills.
The opening kill, involving a teenager attempting to assault the Radley daughter, sets a promising tone. However, this tension fizzles out quickly, with only one other attack – non-fatal – occurring in the rest of the film.
For a horror-comedy, the lack of violence and scares is disappointing, and the pacing drags in parts, with certain scenes feeling unnecessarily prolonged.
The Radleys struggles to define itself, failing to fully commit to being a comedy, horror, or thriller.
This lack of focus results in a film that delivers neither substantial tension nor humour. Its climax feels underwhelming, and the reliance on tired vampire tropes prevents it from achieving anything groundbreaking.
In summary, The Radleys is a light, mildly entertaining film best suited for a casual watch.
It is enjoyable in the moment but unlikely to leave a lasting impression. Those seeking a deeper exploration of vampire mythology or a more thrilling experience will need to look elsewhere.
What remains is a mediocre family drama with faint supernatural overtones, quickly forgotten once the credits roll.
Tell us your thoughts about The Radleys 2024 in the comments section below!
