Emma Corrin and Maika Monroe Shine at London Film Festival Closing

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival concluded on October 15 with an impressive showcase of talent, highlighted by the film 100 Nights of Hero, directed by Julia Jackman. The event took place at the Royal Festival Hall, where Jackman was joined by a star-studded cast, including Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones. Notably, key cast members Nicholas Galitzine and Charli xcx were unable to attend the closing ceremony.

“I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,” Jackman expressed during the event. “To be here with you guys is incredible. Thank you so much for coming.”

100 Nights of Hero is Jackman’s second feature film, adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Isabel Greenberg. The narrative unfolds in a fantastical kingdom where Cherry, played by Monroe, leads a seemingly perfect life with her husband Jerome, portrayed by El-Masry. However, their struggle to conceive an heir leads to a series of unexpected events when Jerome disappears and his charming friend Manfred, played by Galitzine, arrives with ulterior motives. In this turmoil, Hero, played by Corrin, emerges as Cherry’s clever maid, weaving enchanting stories of rebellious women to distract Manfred.

Corrin, known for her roles in The Crown, Nosferatu, and Deadpool & Wolverine, shared her experience of developing the character of Hero with Jackman. “So much of it was in Julia’s incredible adaptation,” she remarked. “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, who gained recognition for her performance in last year’s horror film Longlegs, praised Jackman’s script, calling it “incredibly unique and beautiful.” She added, “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.”

The film premiered earlier this year at the Venice Critics Week, where it garnered positive reviews. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Leslie Felperin described it as “eccentric, fey, and surprisingly dark,” noting the unexpected presence of pop star Charli xcx in a supporting role, enhancing the film’s allure.

The festival, which ran from October 8 to October 15, featured 247 titles from 79 countries, celebrating a diverse array of films. A-listers such as George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Daniel Craig, Julia Roberts, and Emma Stone were among the celebrities attending this year’s screenings. The festival commenced with the European premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and showcased various works, including Hamnet, Frankenstein, and Bugonia.

During the festival, numerous celebrated filmmakers participated in Screen Talks sessions at BFI Southbank, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Chloé Zhao.

London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson emphasized the importance of selecting films that resonate with audiences, stating, “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 expressed a commitment to showcasing a program rich in variety, reflective of London’s dynamic cinema landscape.

This year’s festival not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also recognized notable winners, including Landmarks by Martel, The Travelers by David Bingong, and One Woman One Bra by Vincho Nchogu.

As the curtains closed on the BFI London Film Festival, it left audiences eagerly anticipating the next wave of cinematic storytelling and talent in the years to come.