British filmmakers Sean Cronin and Peter Stylianou’s latest feature, “Drained,” has wrapped post-production and is being sold by Cronin’s Magnificent Films at the Cannes Film Market.
Cronin is also an actor who has appeared in “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”He has played villains in some 89 films, besides directing several titles.
“Drained,” a vampire film, co-directed and produced by Cronin and Stylianou from a screenplay by Stylianou, follows Thomas, a jobless post-graduate artist who falls for Rhea, a mysterious woman who is revealed to be a vampire. As their dark romance progresses, Thomas’s health declines, plunging him into a chaotic spiral.
The cast features Ruaridh Aldington (“Dirty Boy”) and Madalina Bellariu Ion (“Dampyr”) as the doomed lovers. Supporting roles are filled by 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.
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“Drained” was shot in London and is a collaborative effort by Magnificent Films, House 54 and Red Guerilla Films. Producers also include Daniel Patrick Vaughan and Tony Currier.
Cronin describes “Drained” as a mix of darkness and beauty, with a neon-noir aesthetic echoing London’s gritty underbelly. He likens the film’s score to the synth-heavy sounds of “Drive,” aiming for a balance of atmosphere and engagement. Stylianou adds that beyond the vampiric romance, the film explores the addictive nature of modern society, drawing parallels between Thomas’s entanglement with Rhea and contemporary social and self-destructive behaviors.
Meanwhile, Cronin’s “Bogieville” is also being sold at the market after a preview at the Fantastic Pavilion in Cannes. Directed by Cronin from Henry P. Gravelle’s script, the film follows a young couple, Ham and Jody, who encounter a sinister caretaker in an eerie American trailer park, soon realizing it harbors vampires. Indonesian star Arifin Putra and newcomer Eloise Lovell Anderson lead the cast, with Cronin playing the head vampire, Madison.
The film is produced by Djonny Chen forSilent D Pictures, along with Cronin for Magnificent.
Cronin, who directed much of the film in full vampire makeup, highlights the challenges of shooting in cold, rainy Surrey to mimic a southern U.S. town.
Publicity on both films is being handled by Philippe Ashfield from Instant Entertainment.
