Torn between a need to be extra human and an insatiable thirst for blood, the tormented vampire Rhea units her seductive sights on an unemployed post-grad idea artist, main them each down a lethal path within the new movie Drained. Directed by Peter Stylianou and Sean Cronin and filmed on location in London, Drained is now out there on VOD platforms by way of Degree 33 Leisure, and Each day Lifeless caught up with star Madalina Bellariu Ion to debate taking part in Rhea within the new vampire film, together with diving into her character’s intriguing duality, the script’s exploration of habit in a number of types, and her experiences working with a proficient solid and crew to convey Drained to undead life!
Under, you may learn our full Q&A with Madalina Bellariu Ion, and to be taught extra about Drained, go to:
Thanks for taking the time to reply questions for us, Madalina, and congratulations in your new vampire movie Drained! What was it about your character Rhea that made you wish to play her and be concerned with this movie?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: Thanks! I’m excited for individuals to observe the film. Rhea is such an interesting and layered character. What drew me to her was the duality she embodies—she’s magnetic and alluring but in addition harmful and deeply tormented. Beneath that exterior, she’s uninterested in the struggling she causes, and she or he is at all times desperately looking for for a companion who will willingly dedicate his life to her.
I appreciated exploring her complexity and the stress between her existence as a vampire and her craving to be extra human. The movie itself blends a seductive romance in a supernatural horror story. After I first learn the script, I cherished the way it delves into themes of habit—whether or not that’s poisonous relationships, social media, or substance abuse.
I perceive that you simply had been born in Transylvania, a area that makes many horror followers immediately consider Dracula. Did that make taking part in a vampire much more enjoyable for you?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: Completely! My grandparents had been from Transylvania, and I spent a part of my childhood there. It’s a spot so deeply related to the Dracula legend, which positively added a particular thrill to taking part in a vampire. Rising up, I used to be surrounded by fascinating tales in regards to the area and the mysterious Carpathian landscapes, which sparked my creativeness early on.
That connection made getting into the function of Rhea much more enjoyable. Discussing with author/director Peter Stylianou, we modified some traces from English to Romanian within the movie, which I believe provides authenticity.
Do you may have any favourite vampire motion pictures or TV reveals that impressed you when you had been stepping into character as Rhea?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: Peter Stylianou instructed that we watch Solely Lovers Left Alive earlier than filming Drained. Despite the fact that my character Rhea is sort of totally different from Eve (performed by Tilda Swinton) and Adam (performed by Tom Hiddleston), and regardless that I can not say I took any inspiration from there with Rhea, that movie strives to maintain issues uncooked, pure, and grounded, and that’s a side of Thomas and Rhea’s relationship that Peter wished to maintain.
That being stated, we didn’t have the finances or the luxurious of time that Solely Lovers Left Alive had, however that made the method typically extra enjoyable, and due to the passionate small workforce connected to Drained, it additionally made it fairly particular.
My first day on set, we filmed the scene the place Rhea accompanies Thomas to go to his mum (performed by Angela Dixon). After we filmed that scene, I used to be instructed I reminded them of Jenna Ortega’s portrayal in Wednesday. That wasn’t intentional, however I did method the scene with the understanding that Rhea is unfamiliar with social courtesies and conventional household dynamics. These are distant recollections for her. I additionally took the choice that she didn’t have a standard upbringing, so the household dinner setup felt unusual and alien to her.
In that particular scene, there could have been a contact of Tim Burton’s Wednesday character in my portrayal. Past that, I performed Rhea second by second, specializing in a assured, unforced sensuality, thriller, and hazard. She’s deeply conscious of the ability she holds over weak boys like Thomas, and at instances, I even made the selection that she may hear his coronary heart racing.
A lot of this film hinges on the chemistry between Rhea and Thomas, performed by Ruaridh Aldington. What was it like working with Ruaridh to create a novel (and at instances lethal) connection between your characters?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: Rory (Ruaridh) is implausible! We first met over Zoom for our chemistry take a look at earlier than I used to be formally confirmed for the function. On the time, I used to be in Hungary, filming two comedies back-to-back, and I used to be anxious about my web connection. However even via the display, I may sense the pure chemistry that was created between Thomas and Rhea. They’re comparable in some methods, but vastly totally different, which made their dynamic so compelling.
On account of time constraints, we didn’t have rehearsal days earlier than filming, so we went straight into manufacturing. Every time we had breaks between scenes, Rory and I might run via our traces and focus on the blocking with the administrators. He’s a proficient actor and an extremely variety one that was at all times attentive to the solid and particularly to the crew.
Drained was directed by Peter Stylianou and Sean Cronin, who each convey a whole lot of vitality to this story with their filmmaking type. What was it like working with Peter and Sean to convey this story to undead life?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: Each Peter and Sean are great to work with. Peter, who additionally wrote Drained, had discussions with us in regards to the script and character arcs previous to filming to assist us perceive our characters’ backgrounds and their journey.
Sean Cronin, then again, is understood for enjoying villains in main productions similar to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and techniques, Incredible Beasts and The place to Discover Them, and James Bond. He had a really clear imaginative and prescient for the movie’s climax, notably Rhea’s transformation throughout the full moon when she turns into a really hungry, ferocious vampire.
Drained options nice make-up results by Francesca Reidie. What was it like working with Francesca to convey out the vampiric facet of your character?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: Francesca is wonderful! She’s extremely versatile, excelling at each basic magnificence make-up and SFX. I might like to work along with her once more sooner or later. Her ardour and a spotlight to element introduced Rhea’s look to life.
Drained was filmed in London, and the cinematography by Daniel Patrick Vaughan actually captures the town’s immersive environment. What was it wish to movie in such a historic metropolis?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: I lived in London for 11 years, and I completely love that metropolis. I initially moved there to review performing for 3 years, however I ended up staying due to the unimaginable work alternatives, the individuals, and that vibrant, eclectic vitality—even when it rains!
Daniel Patrick Vaughan is a superb cinematographer and likewise served because the producer on this challenge. From what I perceive, he was the primary individual to learn Peter’s script and see its potential. He then introduced Sean Cronin on board as a co-director and producer. His ardour for filmmaking actually shines via within the visible storytelling of Drained.
Trying again at your time on set, is there a favourite or memorable second that stands out?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: This was my first time doing wire work for flying scenes, and that’s an expertise I’ll always remember! It was each difficult and exhilarating.
Additionally, engaged on a movie with a restricted finances makes you actually recognize the dedication of the crew. Everybody labored so laborious and poured their ardour into this challenge. Their dedication and vitality made the expertise unforgettable.
Finally, what do you hope viewers take away from Drained?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: The movie explores themes of codependency and poisonous relationships. I hope viewers mirror on the hazards of shedding themselves in unhealthy partnerships and acknowledge the significance of self-awareness and setting boundaries.
By way of Thomas’ journey, we see how people can develop into entrapped by their needs, resulting in self-destructive behaviors. I hope the movie sparks conversations round these essential themes.
With Drained now out there on VOD, do you may have another initiatives arising you can tease? Additionally, the place can our readers log on to maintain up together with your work?
Madalina Bellariu Ion: Sure, completely! You’ll find all my previous and upcoming initiatives listed on IMDb when looking my title. By way of social media, I’m most energetic on Instagram (@madalinabellariu), however I’m additionally on Fb and X.
Thanks a lot to everybody on your help. I can’t wait to listen to individuals’s reactions to Drained! Please don’t neglect to go away a rating and evaluate on the IMDb web page of Drained after watching it!
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In case you missed it, watch an unique clip from Drained, and to be taught extra about the place to observe the movie, learn the official press launch beneath and go to:
From the Press Launch: “British filmmakers’ Peter Stylianou and Sean Cronin’s London-based function vampire movie “Drained” releases in North America in the present day by way of Degree 33 Leisure on VOD by way of Amazon, Apple TV and Fandango at Dwelling, amongst different premium digital channels.
Co-directed and produced by Cronin and Peter Stylianou from a screenplay by the latter, the supernatural horror movie – a tackle the basic European fantasy of the nosferatu which premiered on the prestigious Screamfest Horror Movie Pageant in October 2024, – was filmed in London, England, and is a Magnificent Movies/Home 54/RG Movies co-production. Home 54 is run by cinematographer and producer Daniel Patrick Vaughan who introduced all events collectively for this co-production. Cronin as an actor has portrayed villains in dozens of field workplace hits, in addition to having directed a number of award-winning titles, together with the upcoming function ‘Bogieville.’ Peter Stylianou is a author/director with two function movie credit already to his title.
Reads the synopsis for ‘Drained’, “Within the neon-soaked streets of London, Thomas, a jobless post-graduate idea artist, falls in love with Rhea, a mysterious girl who seems to be a vampire. As their twisted romance unfolds, Thomas’s well being deteriorates, and he spirals uncontrolled.”
Ruaridh Aldington (“Soiled Boy”) and Madalina Bellariu Ion (“Dampyr”) star because the ill-fated couple, with supporting solid which incorporates Craig Conway (“Canine Troopers”), Angela Dixon (“By no means 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.
Particular make-up results are by Francesca Reidie, with Ellie Campbell dealing with manufacturing design and cinematography by Daniel Patrick Vaughan.
