David Dawson stars in ‘the flaw’: a dystopian thriller filming in Athens
David Dawson, renowned for his roles in The Last Kingdom and My Policeman, takes the lead in the highly anticipated dystopian thriller, The Flaw. This film marks the feature directorial debut of Theophilos Papastylianos and is currently being shot in the historic city of Athens.
An exceptional cast leads
Joining Dawson is an impressive ensemble of British talent. Arthur McBain, known for Napoleon and Interview with the Vampire, takes on a crucial role. Ralf Little, adored for his performances in The Royle Family and Death in Paradise, is also part of the cast. Additionally, Danny John-Jules, familiar from Red Dwarf and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, adds his unique flair. Veteran Greek theater director Angela Brouskou steps into a leading role, promising to bring a powerful presence to the screen.
A tale of interrogation and revelation
The Flaw unfolds in a dystopian society ruled by oppressive forces known as the Regime. The story centers on a ruthless Interrogator, played by Dawson, who is assigned by the Special Service to execute a flawless Plan in proving the guilt of a Suspect (McBain). However, as the interrogation progresses, the Interrogator discovers profound flaws not only in the Plan but in the very fabric of the Regime itself.
The literary roots of ‘The Flaw’
First published in 1965, The Flaw is a seminal work by Antonis Samarakis, one of the towering figures in modern Greek literature. The novel has been translated into over 30 languages and garnered France’s prestigious Grand Prix de Littérature Policière in 1970. Written just two years before a military junta seized power in Greece, the novel offers a chilling meditation on truth, state oppression, democracy, and power—topics that remain strikingly relevant today.
Behind the production
Produced by Argonauts Productions in collaboration with Greek public broadcaster ERT and Latvia’s Mima Films, The Flaw benefits from the support of the Greek Film Center, EKOME, and Latvia’s Investment and Development Agency. The production team includes Panos Papahadzis, Lina Yannopoulou, and Theophilos Papastylianos, with Alise Rogule serving as co-producer. The film is both written and directed by Papastylianos, showcasing his vision in bringing Samarakis’ story to life on the big screen.
A wave of anticipated projects
Argonauts Productions, the Athens-based company behind the film, has a track record of successful projects. They co-produced David Cronenberg’s Cannes competition entry Crimes of the Future and recently wrapped the first season of Prime Video’s eagerly awaited Biblical drama series, House of David.
The stars of ‘The Flaw’
David Dawson continues to build his impressive résumé, with recent appearances in the BBC drama This Town, created by Steven Knight of Peaky Blinders fame. Arthur McBain, with credits in Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon and AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, is set to shine alongside a star-studded cast including Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom in Prime Video’s action-comedy Deep Cover.
Ralf Little, known for his work in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, The Royle Family, and Death in Paradise, brings his distinct charm to the film. Danny John-Jules, a staple on the sci-fi series Red Dwarf, and previously seen in Blade 2 and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, adds depth to the ensemble. Angela Brouskou, the co-founder of Athens’ Theater of the Room, brings her theatrical prowess to the screen.
An additional impressive lineup
Rounding out the cast are talents such as Sarah Akokhia, Georgia Small, Nathan Thomas, Mihalis Valasoglou, Matthew Sim, Ben Tavassoli, and Skyrah Archer. Each actor brings a unique energy and perspective, ensuring a compelling cinematic experience.
The Flaw promises to be a thrilling exploration of power and truth, set in a world not too distant from our own. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.
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