‘The Boy Who Lived’: An Inspiring Documentary

Calling all Potterheads — there’s a new documentary out called David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, produced by Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter himself). The film tells the life story of Radcliffe’s lead stunt actor, David Holmes, whose life and career took an unexpected turn.

A few years older than the main cast, they saw Holmes as the “cool, older brother,” Radcliffe said in the film. “He would do the most dangerous physical stuff.” The documentary shows Holmes performing a stunt on set and then coaching Radcliffe on performing a safer version. 

“I used to fly. Nothing’s like it, man,” Holmes said in the film. “Being a stuntman is the best job in the world.”

Holmes was Radcliffe’s stunt double throughout the series until the middle of filming the seventh movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, when he endured a shocking spinal injury on set. According to the Guardian, he was “in a wired harness, ready to be jerked back into a padded wall by a weighted pulley that will turn out to have too much weight on it.” The accident immediately left both of Holmes’ legs paralyzed. 

“I remember straight after breaking my neck, I said, ‘There’s no chance of coming back,’” Holmes said in the film.

The documentary showcases Holmes’ recovery, from when the accident happened up to the present day, and how his paralysis might worsen.

Despite the health challenges Holmes faced, an everlasting brotherhood came about. Holmes’ injury only brought the two Harry Potters closer together, even though a younger Radcliffe thought it would strain their relationship, as they might not have “anything to talk about anymore.” The documentary clearly says otherwise and perfectly portrays the wholesome, close-knit bond between the two Harry Potters and other Harry Potter colleagues and stunt performers.

Through laughter and tears, Holmes and Radcliffe’s connection is a true testament to the power of genuine friendship after facing hardship. It’s a moving documentary, especially because of all the people who love and support Holmes — his family, fellow stunt actors, directors, healthcare staff, the list is endless.

Not only does this film give an insider’s look at the careers of stunt actors, but it also delivers the message of appreciating life. Holmes doesn’t view his life as a tragedy. He sees it as something he needs to live to the fullest.

“Before my accident, everything was about being cool and being a stuntman. Now, it’s about being present. I have so much to love in my life,” he said in the film.

This film is a celebration of the human spirit and life-lasting friendships. It’s about “finding the light in the darkest of places,” said Holmes in the film.

While Holmes’ accident has kept him from stunt performing, he has embarked on projects, such as his annual David Holmes Cricket Cup, which raises funds for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London, England. He has also started a podcast called Cunning Stunts, A Podcast Series, highlighting the work of stunt coordinators and performers.

Overall, David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is a story that goes beyond the magical world of Harry Potter. It presents the importance of strong friendships, resilience, and the remarkable power of the human spirit.

The film is a co-production from HBO and Sky (making it available in both the U.S. and the U.K.). David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is available for streaming on Crave in Canada.

• disability
• documentary
• harry potter