The 2025 BFI London Film Festival concluded with a spectacular finale featuring the cast of 100 Nights of Hero, directed by Julia Jackman. The event took place at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night, marking the end of 11 days filled with premieres and star-studded appearances. Among those present were actors Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones. Notably absent were key cast members Nicholas Galitzine and Charli xcx.
Jackman’s second feature film is adapted from the acclaimed graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg. Set in a fantastical kingdom, the story revolves around Cherry (Monroe), who is married to Jerome (El-Masry). Their life appears idyllic, but they struggle to conceive an heir. The plot thickens when Jerome leaves and his charming friend Manfred (Galitzine) arrives with ulterior motives. Hero (Corrin), Cherry’s clever maid, devises a plan to divert Manfred by recounting tales of rebellious women.
“I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,” Jackman expressed during her on-stage speech. “To be here with you guys is incredible. Thank you so much for coming.” Corrin, known for her roles in The Crown and Nosferatu, highlighted the importance of Jackman’s adaptation in shaping Hero’s character. “Hero’s all-knowing wisdom — she has confidence and knows who she is, and there’s a real relief to playing someone like that,” she remarked.
Monroe, celebrated for her performance in last year’s horror film 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,” she stated, emphasizing her eagerness to take on the role.
The film had previously premiered at Venice Critics Week in August, where it received attention for its eccentric and dark themes. Leslie Felperin from The Hollywood Reporter noted that audiences might be surprised by the film’s unpredictability, including the appearance of pop star Charli xcx in a minor role.
Star-Studded Festival Highlights
The closing ceremony of the BFI London Film Festival wrapped up a vibrant event that showcased a range of films and talent. The festival kicked off on October 8 with the European premiere of Rian Johnson‘s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Over the course of 11 days, the festival featured various screenings, drawing A-list celebrities such as George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Daniel Craig, Julia Roberts, and Emma Stone to London’s Southbank.
Director Kristy Matheson emphasized the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling and high-quality cinema. “It’s not enough for a film to just have an incredible cast — the film has to really stand on its own two feet,” she stated during the opening-night gala. Matheson highlighted the festival’s aim to reflect the city’s vibrant cinema culture, acknowledging that London audiences have high expectations.
The festival showcased a total of 247 titles from 79 countries, including features, shorts, and immersive works. Among the notable wins were Martel’s Landmarks (Nuestra Tierra), David Bingong’s The Travelers (Les Voyageurs), and One Woman One Bra directed by Vincho Nchogu.
As the BFI London Film Festival comes to a close, it reinforces its status as a prominent event in the international film calendar, celebrating creativity and the art of storytelling on a grand stage.
