Image via HBO/Sky
Harry Potter did more than spawn theme parks or create cultural icons in Daniel Radcliffe and J.K Rowling, he also put stunt double David Holmes in a wheelchair. Paralyzed from the waist down after a life changing stunt rehearsal for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, David was instantly robbed of his passion for pyrotechnics, intricate wire work, and broomstick bravado. In this heartfelt HBO original directed by Dan Hartley audiences finally get to see behind the headlines and experience the aftermath of that accident in David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived.
What hits home hardest throughout this film is how optimistic David has remained from day one of this injury, where almost anyone else would have become bitter, resentful, or worse. Industry legend Greg Powell, who initially introduced David to stunt work through Lost in Space (1998), represents the heart and soul of this film, since he still holds himself accountable for what happened. David sits in opposition to that raw old school emotion as this beacon of light trapped inside a body which is gradually failing him.
Image via HBO/Sky
However, that optimism exists elsewhere in the friendships which have clearly fortified David in those moments of doubt or uncertainty. Audiences get to see the on-screen chemistry between Daniel Radcliffe and one of his closest friends in unguarded moments, that go a long to explain how this unassuming movie star has remained so grounded throughout his career. Stunt performers Marc Mailley (No Time to Die) and Tolga Kenan (Skyfall) form the other halves of this equation, who have each gone on to achieve just as David would have done under normal circumstances.
Image via HBO/Sky
With an infinite amount of archive footage from the Harry Potter franchise The Boy Who Lived inevitably becomes one for fans as well, since behind-the-scenes stunt work is featured throughout, and Leavesden Studio reveals one or two secrets of its own. Acres of clothing individually numbered and numerous props carefully packaged up for posterity are kept in temperature-controlled facilities for future generations. That above all else is what this film seeks to celebrate beyond the enduring optimism of David Holmes as he battles physical frailty and attempts to tell his story alongside a lifelong friend.
Image via HBO/Sky
For anyone who wants to see true friendship, compassion, and kinship personified David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived might just be all they need. Director Dan Hartley is given access to the inner workings of these childhood friends, who each helped the other through a truly unique experience in filming Harry Potter. Marc, Tolga, David, and Daniel share an unspoken bond that goes deeper than movie star status or big screen bank balances, but instead binds them together as only formative friendships can in times of trauma. This then is testament to a life well lived by someone with boundless resilience, who faces every challenge head on and should be a lesson to anyone who considers giving up on their dreams.
David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived will be available to stream on Max from 15 November in the US and through Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW from 18 November.