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Fangs in France. British filmmakers Sean Cronin and Peter Stylianou are bringing their London-based feature vampire film Drained to market at the Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25, 2024) in Cannes, France. To celebrate, we have your first look at some exclusive stills and poster reveals.
The supernatural horror film was co-directed and produced by Cronin and Peter Stylianou from a screenplay written by Stylianou. Cronin has appeared in front of the camera, usually portraying villains on screen and has directed several award-winning movies, including the upcoming feature Bogieville. Here’s the official Drained synopsis.
In the neon-soaked streets of London, Thomas, a jobless post-graduate concept artist, falls in love with Rhea, a mysterious woman who turns out to be a vampire. As their twisted romance unfolds, Thomas’s health deteriorates, and he spirals out of control.
Ruaridh Aldington (“Dirty Boy”) and Madalina Bellariu Ion (“Dampyr”) star as the ill-fated couple, with supporting cast including Craig Conway (“Dog Soldiers”), Angela Dixon (“Never Let Go”), Andrew Lyle-Pinnock, Natasha Patel (The Witcher: Blood Origin), Andrew Lee Potts (Band of Brothers), Diana Yekinni, Ayvianna Snow, Kenton Lloyd Morgan and Timothy Blore.
Cronin describes Drained as “Stylistically, the film is a mesmerizing blend of darkness and beauty. With a neon-noir aesthetic reminiscent of a night bus ride through London’s rain-soaked streets, we worked hard to capture the city’s underbelly, with a score and soundtrack that echoes the allure of ‘Drive’ with its synth ’80s sound, striking the perfect balance between atmospheric and engaging.”
Stylianou adds: “Beneath the surface of this vampiric romance, the film delves deeper, exploring the addictive nature of today’s society. Just as Thomas becomes ensnared in Rhea’s world, modern life presents its own metaphorical vampires, be it social media, substance abuse, or other self-destructive habits. The film paints a striking portrait of why individuals give themselves to these draining forces.”
Drained star Madalina Bellariu Ion grew up in Romania and has now realized a lifelong dream: “Growing up in Transylvania, Romania, I’ve always dreamt of playing a vampire. So, portraying Rhea was a perfect fit for me! The blend of fantasy horror and gritty realism in this film created an unforgettable experience that stayed with me long after filming ended. I hope the audience feels the same way after watching it. It’s a truly unique vampire film.”
As Drained heads to market at Cannes, we’ll keep you posted on upcoming developments. For now, enjoy the exclusive photos and posters!
