The 2025 BFI London Film Festival concluded on a high note with the premiere of 100 Nights of Hero, directed by Julia Jackman. The film’s ensemble cast, including Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones, gathered at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday evening to celebrate the festival’s successful run. While notable cast members Nicholas Galitzine and Charli xcx were absent, the event marked an impressive wrap-up for the festival.
“I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,” Jackman expressed during her speech. “So to be here with you guys is incredible. Thank you so much for coming.”
100 Nights of Hero, Jackman’s second feature, draws inspiration from the graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg. The film presents a visually rich fantasy narrative set in a fairytale kingdom. The plot follows Cherry (Monroe), who lives a seemingly perfect life with her husband Jerome (El-Masry). However, their struggles with conception set the stage for conflict when Jerome disappears, leading to the arrival of his charming but duplicitous friend, Manfred (Galitzine). In response, Hero (Corrin), Cherry’s clever and devoted maid, devises a plan to distract Manfred by sharing enthralling tales of rebellious women.
Corrin, known for her roles in The Crown, Nosferatu, and Deadpool & Wolverine, spoke about her character development with Jackman: “So much of it was in Julia’s incredible adaptation. Hero’s all-knowing wisdom — she [has] confidence and knows who she is, and there’s a real relief to playing someone like that.”
Monroe, recognized for her performance in last year’s horror hit Longlegs, praised the uniqueness of Jackman’s script. “Even just reading the script, I could imagine this fantastical world. I fell in love with Cherry. There was just this feeling of needing to do this role,” she said.
The festival, which ran from October 8 to 19, showcased a total of 247 titles from 79 countries, including features, shorts, series, and immersive works. The opening night featured the European premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The festival also included prominent screenings with A-list stars such as George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Daniel Craig, and Julia Roberts in attendance.
Each year, the BFI London Film Festival aims to highlight a diverse range of stories and cinematic styles. Kristy Matheson, the festival director, emphasized the importance of quality in the selection process. She stated, “It’s not enough for a film to just have an incredible cast — the film has to really stand on its own two feet.”
As part of the festival’s activities, acclaimed directors and actors participated in Screen Talks at BFI Southbank, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Richard Linklater, and Chloé Zhao. The event continues to be a significant platform for both established and emerging talent in the film industry.
The film 100 Nights of Hero has already garnered attention, having premiered at Venice Critics Week in August, where it was described as “eccentric, fey, and surprisingly dark” by The Hollywood Reporter. The review highlighted the film’s unpredictability, adding that audiences might be surprised by the appearance of pop star Charli xcx in a supporting role.
As the curtains close on this year’s festival, the BFI London Film Festival has once again proven its status as a vital event in the international film calendar, bringing together a rich tapestry of storytelling from around the globe.
