Interview with Patrick Gibson as Christian Radic in Before We Die

19 May 2021

Patrick Gibson as Christian Radic

CHARACTER BIOGRAPHY

Christian Radic (Patrick Gibson) is Hannah’s British-born son of a Croatian father, who is trying to put his life back together having gone off the rails following his parents’ divorce. He’s working as a dish-washer at the Vino Mondana restaurant, after being introduced to the family that owns it by Stefan Vargic, a small-time criminal whom he met in jail. Christian refuses to have contact with his mother, but he’s still close to her boyfriend, Sean.

1. Why did you want to get involved with Before We Die? What drew you to it?

The first thing was the story and script. I found it a pretty exhilarating read the first time I read it. I thought it had a wonderful mix of drama and story as well as featuring really human and interesting characters, with interesting relationships that drive them. There was also an authenticity to the situations that can sometimes feel glamourised in police dramas.  In Before We Die it feels as if people’s actions have real world weight. But I don’t want to give away too much!

2. Tell us about Christian. Who is he? He’s had a bit of a tough time when we meet him in the series.

When we meet him, Christian has just been released from prison where he has served two years for drug offences. His mum, police officer Hannah Laing, got him arrested and was hoping for him to get a slap on the wrist, but he actually got two years! Whilst he is inside, he meets Stefan Vargic (played by Petar Cvirn) who is connected to the Mimica family, who own a restaurant that Christian goes to work at – which turns out to be the front of a major drugs organisation. He gets entangled in a conspiracy that takes him so much deeper than he ever expected.

3. Can you tell us about the dynamic between Christian and his mother Hannah? It seems very fragile, why is that?

It is very interesting as they are sort of thrown together by this situation. Although they were almost estranged at one-point, subsequent events pull them together. They start seeing eye to eye and the relationship flourishes amongst the most chaotic and insane situation possible.  

4. Christian’s character is quite deceptive throughout; did you find any challenges with playing the role like that?

Yes, I think the challenge for me was asking myself what would I do in that situation. The temptation, if you’re supposed to be lying in a scene, is to act like you’re lying, but when your life depends on it and you have a gun pointed to your head, you’d probably turn into a pretty good liar. Christian has to remain incognito and appear loyal to everyone in the drug gang, making the gang think of him as a reliable asset, whilst all the while he is very close to being found out. He finds himself in an immensely tense position. 

5. Loyalty is a big theme in the show – how do your character’s loyalties get tested?  

Loyalty is a massive part of the show. What draws Christian to working at the restaurant in the first place is seeing the family bond they have. It is something he yearns for in his own life. He feels betrayed by his mother for having him arrested and sees the sharp contrast with the Mimicas - who would kill before they would betray one of their own. As the plot develops, you’ll see how Christian has to prove himself to the Mimica’s.
 

6. The show takes place in Bristol and also Belgium, what was it like filming in those locations, especially during the pandemic

I was just so grateful to be around people and making something, especially something as exciting as this. Filming through a pandemic certainly had its challenges. Any shoot is at times pressured and you’re running on adrenaline. I think it brought a certain energy to the set, everyone was happy to be back working and out of hibernation! 

7. You have an amazing cast surrounding you, what was it like working with them on Before We Die?

The cast were amazing to work with. I’d seen Lesley Sharp in a play called The Woods a couple of years ago and her performance stayed with me. As soon as I saw she was attached to this, I leapt at the opportunity to work with her. She is such a remarkable and insightful actor. I learnt a lot from watching and acting opposite her. The rest of the cast were wonderful too; Issy, Toni, Petar, Vince, Rebecca, all of them. I felt very lucky to be alongside such passionate and inspiring people. 
 

8. What are you wanting the audience to take away from Before We Die?

I think there are so many different dimensions to it. For me, the thing that kept me so engrossed in reading the script, were the many unexpected turns the episodes takes, it constantly keeps you on your toes. On top of that, the rich tapestry of emotional relationships and conflicts make for a show that I hope will bring people a lot of entertainment.