David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived

2023

1 hr. 23 min.

Documentary

Biography

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List

94%

16 Reviews

Tomatometer

98%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

The film is a coming-of-age story of stuntman David Holmes, a prodigious teenage gymnast from Essex, England, who is selected to play Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in the first Harry Potter film, when Daniel is just eleven. Over the next ten years, the two form an inextricable bond, but on the penultimate film a tragic accident on set leaves David paralyzed with a debilitating spinal injury, turning his world upside down. As Daniel and his closest stunt colleagues rally to support David and his family in their moment of need, it is David's extraordinary spirit of resilience that becomes their greatest source of strength and inspiration.

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Premiered Jan 15

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Daffydil G

An incredible ride from the highest of highs to the startling lows. David has an energy, a spirit and resilience unlike any I've ever seen. A must see documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/24

Full Review

Gwendolyn P

Years ago I worked with spinal cord injured patients at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. This story is absolutely authentic and beautifully done. It illustrates what it's like for the person and their loved ones. Their friendship is lovely to watch on screen. Highly recommend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/24

Full Review

matthias s

"David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster through the remarkable friendship between Daniel Radcliffe and his stunt double, David Holmes. As a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fanatic, the documentary's abundance of behind-the-scenes footage from the magical film series was a delight. For movie freaks and Potterheads alike, this film offers a charming glimpse into the lives of these two inseparable friends. The narrative takes a poignant turn when a life-altering accident befalls David, bringing a heartbreaking twist to their story. Watching David's resilience and witnessing the unwavering support from Daniel showcases the true essence of their friendship. It's not just about magic on-screen, but the real magic lies in the genuine connection these two share. "I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and this documentary hit me right in the feels. It beautifully highlights what a great guy David truly is – lovable, friendly, and a testament to the power of true friendship. The film underscores the idea that friendship is the key to having a happy life, and the bond between Daniel and David is nothing short of beautiful. By the end, it had me tearing up, realizing that some of life's most enchanting tales aren't confined to the wizarding world."

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/24

Full Review

Karen W

My impression is that this was Daniel Ratcliffe's effort to feel less guilty about what happened on the set during the filming of this mega millions industry franchise to his friend, who was paralyzed due to the apparent negligence of the overzealous director who wanted a more powerful impact for the stunt scene filmed.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/06/24

Full Review

Matt H

I never knew about this story. So tragic and so uplifting at the same time.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/06/24

Full Review

Jodi G

Exceptional. From the time David was injured I've checked up periodically on his well-being. I expect I'm not the only fan of HP that has remained interested and concerned how he meets the seemingly endless challenges of making sense of what had been his life, with what his life became after the accident. This beautiful, intelligent film makes it clear that the engaging, aware, and strong person that David is, is the catalyst that allows friends & family & medical treatment to have the best outcome possible under immensely difficult circumstances. Really uplifting, if painful. I think everyone of all ages would benefit from seeing this film. David's genuine concern for other people also shines through.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

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Dan Hartley

Director

David Holmes

Self

Daniel Radcliffe

Self

Simon Chinn

Producer

Jonathan Chinn

Producer

Vanessa Davies

Producer

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Jack Seale

Guardian

The Boy Who Lived finds comfort in how friends cope when one of the team falls down, and it has the wisdom to recognise that the person who is supposed to need looking after often ends up caring for everyone else.

Rated: 5/5

Nov 19, 2023

Full Review

Dan Einav

Financial Times

Through [Holmes'] untainted pride for his work, the film becomes not just a tribute to one individual, but to all those behind the scenes who bring magic to the movies.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 17, 2023

Full Review

Alison Herman

Variety

The documentary works to introduce its audience to Holmes, who proves deserving of the spotlight. But they’ll go in knowing Radcliffe already, and as a result, it’s the star who feels most illuminated by The Boy Who Lived.

Nov 17, 2023

Full Review

Donal Lynch

Sunday Independent (Ireland)

By this point in the film there was a further 50 minutes to go, and without being uncharitable, I was wondering how on earth they would fill it...

Feb 5, 2024

Full Review

Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

While the sheer force of Holmes’ personality would make for a compelling documentary on its own, it’s the tenderness and honesty that all of these participants show that makes this so poignant.

Nov 25, 2023

Full Review

Danny Brogan

Common Sense Media

As tragic as the accident was, it's impossible to walk away from David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived without feeling inspired and with a new appreciation for life.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 22, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

The film is a coming-of-age story of stuntman David Holmes, a prodigious teenage gymnast from Essex, England, who is selected to play Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in the first Harry Potter film, when Daniel is just eleven. Over the next ten years, the two form an inextricable bond, but on the penultimate film a tragic accident on set leaves David paralyzed with a debilitating spinal injury, turning his world upside down. As Daniel and his closest stunt colleagues rally to support David and his family in their moment of need, it is David's extraordinary spirit of resilience that becomes their greatest source of strength and inspiration.

Director: Dan Hartley
Executive Producer: Daniel Radcliffe, David Holmes, Dan Hartley, Sue Latimer, Sarah Spahovic, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Tina Nguyen, Poppy Dixon
Distributor: Max
Production Co: HBO Documentary Films
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 15, 2023

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