Jonathan Bailey and Ella Purnell have given the internet a very sinister and sultry start to spooky season.
Audible’s full-cast adaptation of Dracula is officially here, but a behind-the-scenes clip of the pair recording a feeding scene is demanding some attention of its own. As Purnell’s Mina feeds from Bailey’s Dracula, their breathless vocal performances make the moment sound considerably more intimate than the phrase “vampire audio drama” might suggest.
We came for gothic horror. We may need a minute. Happy October 1st.
One social media reaction summed up the appeal by wondering why anyone would pay for an audio erotica app when Bailey and Purnell were already delivering this particular scene. A little dramatic? Perhaps. But the combination of their voices, the intensity of the performance and the unmistakably suggestive sounds makes the comparison pretty easy to understand.
The clip also offers a glimpse of the craft behind the chemistry. Without a lingering look or a touch appearing onscreen, the actors have to convey every bit of danger, desire and vulnerability through their voices. Judging by this clip, they understood the assignment.
Jonathan Bailey knows exactly what he’s doing
If you’re getting flashbacks to Bailey in Bridgerton, you’re not alone. Speaking with Collider, the actor reflected on what connects a romantic hero like Anthony Bridgerton to a decidedly dangerous character like Dracula.
“I think that’s why eroticism and horror and desire — there’s a very sort of thin, permeable membrane between the three of them because it’s so visceral and it’s very animal, and it’s very instinctive,” Bailey said. “So, I enjoy it all.”
After that feeding scene, we’re inclined to agree.
Naturally, the conversation also turned to whether he would consider recording a story for Quinn, the spicy audio platform. Bailey left the possibility open, even offering a few suggestive title ideas.
“Well, nothing’s not on the table — and maybe when I do a Quinn story, it might be called On the Table, or Under the Table,” he joked.
“I think Quinn is fantastic. Who knows? I’d have to take my Dracula fangs out for that one, maybe.”
No Quinn project is announced, but he clearly knows how to keep our attention.
Where to listen to ‘Dracula’
For now, Bailey and Purnell’s Dracula gives listeners plenty to sink their teeth into. Directed by Pet Sematary filmmaker Mary Lambert, the adaptation follows Mina Murray as she investigates her fiancé’s disappearance in Transylvania and finds herself drawn into a psychological battle with the vampire threatening those she loves.
The cast also includes Aimee Lou Wood, Louis Partridge, David Jonsson, Lesley Manville and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who voices Professor Van Helsing. Adapted by Robyn Ahern and scored by Ilan Eshkeri, the production brings Stoker’s classic to life with a full cast and immersive sound design.
Dracula launched Oct. 1 and is available to listen to on Audible, just in time for spooky season. Headphones recommended. Composure optional.