With the chilling tagline, “She’ll Bleed You Dry,” (just in time for Valentine’s Day) British filmmakers Peter Stylianou and Sean Cronin unleash their haunting vampire romance Drained to North American audiences today via Level 33 Entertainment. Available on premium VOD platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, this neon-noir tale reimagines the European nosferatu myth against the gritty, rain-soaked streets of London. Co-directed by Cronin and Stylianou from the latter’s screenplay, Drained premiered at the prestigious Screamfest Horror Film Festival in October 2024. Starring Ruaridh Aldington (Dirty Boy) and Madalina Bellariu Ion (Dampyr), the film explores a dark, twisted romance that unravels the addictive and destructive forces that drain modern society. Boasting a synth-heavy score inspired by Drive and a striking visual style captured by cinematographer Daniel Patrick Vaughan, Drained promises a mesmerizing journey into beauty, darkness, and the seductive dangers of obsession. Check out the press release along with some iHorror exclusives below!
British filmmakers Peter Stylianou and Sean Cronin’s London-based feature vampire film “Drained” releases in North America today via Level 33 Entertainment on VOD via Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, among other premium digital channels.
Co-directed and produced by Cronin and Peter Stylianou from a screenplay by the latter, the supernatural horror film – a take on the classic European myth of the nosferatu which premiered at the prestigious Screamfest Horror Film Festival in October 2024 – was filmed in London, England, and is a Magnificent Films/House 54/RG Films co-production. House 54 is run by cinematographer and producer Daniel Patrick Vaughan, who brought all parties together for this co-production. Cronin, as an actor, has portrayed villains in dozens of box office hits, as well as having directed several award-winning titles, including the upcoming feature ‘Bogieville.’ Peter Stylianou is a writer/director with two feature film credits already to his name.
Reads the synopsis for ‘Drained’, “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 which includes 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.
Special makeup effects are by Francesca Reidie, with Ellie Campbell handling production design and cinematography by Daniel Patrick Vaughan.
Said Cronin of “Drained”, “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.”
Added Stylianou. “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.”
Added Madalina Bellariu Ion: “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.”
DRAINED is Now Available Everywhere Movies Are Rented or Sold!