Emma Corrin and Maika Monroe Shine at London Film Festival Finale

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival concluded on October 15 with a vibrant showcase featuring the cast of 100 Nights of Hero, directed by Julia Jackman. The event took place at the Royal Festival Hall, where stars Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones celebrated the film’s success. While key cast members Nicholas Galitzine and Charli xcx were absent, the evening highlighted the film’s artistic achievements.

100 Nights of Hero is Jackman’s second feature and is adapted from the graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg. Set in a fantastical kingdom, the story follows Cherry (Monroe), who is married to Jerome (El-Masry). The couple’s quest for an heir takes a turn when Jerome leaves, prompting Cherry’s maid, Hero (Corrin), to devise a plan involving enchanting tales of rebellious women to distract Manfred (Galitzine), Jerome’s charming friend with ulterior motives.

Director and Cast Reflections

During the event, Jackman expressed her excitement, stating, “I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,” and added, “to be here with you guys is incredible. Thank you so much for coming.” Corrin, known for her roles in The Crown and Nosferatu, emphasized the depth of her character, commenting on Hero’s confidence and wisdom. “So much of it was in Julia’s incredible adaptation,” she remarked, highlighting the creative collaboration involved in bringing Hero to life.

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 noted, expressing her eagerness to take on the role.

The film premiered at Venice Critics Week in August and received attention for its eccentric and dark narrative, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter. Reviewer Leslie Felperin mentioned the film’s unpredictability, even hinting at the appearance of pop star Charli xcx in a brief supporting role.

Highlights from the Festival

The BFI London Film Festival celebrated its conclusion after 11 days filled with star-studded screenings. Notable figures such as George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Emma Stone were among the celebrities who attended. The festival commenced on October 8 with the European premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and featured a diverse range of films, including Hamnet and Frankenstein.

This year’s festival showcased a total of 247 titles from 79 countries, spanning features, shorts, series, and immersive works. Awards were presented for standout films such as Martel’s Landmarks and David Bingong’s The Travelers.

Kristy Matheson, director of the London Film Festival, 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.” She emphasized the festival’s commitment to presenting a program that reflects London’s diverse cinema audience, which demands high-quality storytelling.

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival marked another successful year, blending creativity with critical acclaim and solidifying its status as a premier event in the international film calendar.