During the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double, David Holmes, suffered a devastating accident after a stunt went wrong. Now, fourteen years after his accident, he's telling his story.
Note: This documentary is rated 15 for strong language. The documentary itself contains discussion around disability and, while the accident itself is not shown, the discussion may be upsetting for some.
This documentary begins with a boisterous young boy with two brothers - David was always full of energy, so his parents put him into gymnastics to try and burn it off. He fell in love with the sport, but from a young age knew that he wanted to be a stunt double, like his coach. He got his first opportunity with Lost In Space, which put him in touch with Greg Powell, a stuntman and stunt coordinator, who secured his position as Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double.
The crew grew up together on set, but tragedy struck after an incorrect weight on a jerk back stunt for the scene where Harry is attacked by Nagini in the penultimate film left David with a broken neck at the age of 25. Paralysed from the waist down, he was rushed to hospital for surgery. His recovery was hampered by a rare complication, and he was discharged with sensory and motor paralysis in his legs and his right arm.
The documentary explores his life, the accident, and the aftermath of it - the negatives, like the pain, his worsening mobility, and his frustration with constant hospital trips, but also the positives, such as his strong bonds with fellow stuntmen Marc and Tolga, and Daniel Radcliffe too, as well as inspiring young gymnasts at his former club, hosting a podcast, Cunning Stunts, where he discusses his passion for his job with fellow stuntmen and women, and hosting a cricket match every year to raise funds for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, who cared for him throughout.
Not only does the documentary capture David's struggles with living with a disability, but it explores the impact his accident had on those around him, and how the relationships he once had are subject to change. From his best friend Tommy becoming his full-time carer, to Greg Powell (whom David saw as a father figure for much of his childhood) feeling too uncomfortable and guilty to even visit his former protégé.
I would highly recommend this documentary to anyone - whether you're a fan of Harry Potter or not (and, really, if you're a member of World of Potter UK then you should be!) - it's a marvellous showcase of human strength and empathy, and proof that kindness is the most powerful magic we have.
David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is available to watch on Sky Documentaries and Now TV.
