Emma Corrin and Maika Monroe Shine at London Film Festival Closing

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival concluded with a memorable screening of 100 Nights of Hero, directed by Canadian filmmaker Julia Jackman. The event took place at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night, bringing together a star-studded cast that included Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones. Although key cast members Nicholas Galitzine and Charli xcx were absent, the film’s captivating narrative ensured a fitting end to the festival’s 11-day run.

Jackman’s film, based on the graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg, immerses viewers in a visually stunning fantasy world. The story follows Cherry, played by Monroe, who is married to Jerome, portrayed by El-Masry. Their seemingly perfect life is disrupted when Jerome goes missing and his charming friend Manfred, played by Galitzine, arrives with ulterior motives. In this turmoil, Cherry’s maid, Hero, portrayed by Corrin, devises a plan to distract Manfred by weaving enchanting tales of rebellious women.

During the screening, Jackman expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity to bring this project to life, stating, “I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time. I actually, to be honest, didn’t know whether I’d get the chance. So to be here with you guys is incredible. Thank you so much for coming.”

Corrin, known for her roles in The Crown and Deadpool & Wolverine, spoke about the development of her character, Hero. “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,” she noted.

Monroe, who gained acclaim for her role in last year’s horror film Longlegs, described Jackman’s script as “incredibly unique and so 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 made its world premiere at Venice Critics Week in August, where it received a favorable review from The Hollywood Reporter. Leslie Felperin characterized it as “eccentric, fey and surprisingly dark,” highlighting the unpredictability of the film, which even features pop icon Charli xcx in a supporting role, albeit with minimal lines.

The conclusion of the BFI London Film Festival marks another successful year for this prestigious event, which showcased a diverse array of films. The festival, which began on October 8, kicked off with the European premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Over the course of 11 days, it featured screenings attended by numerous A-list celebrities, including George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Julia Roberts.

This year’s festival presented a total of 247 titles from 79 countries, encompassing features, shorts, and series. It celebrated a wide range of stories, reflecting the vibrant cinematic landscape of London. Kristy Matheson, director of the London Film Festival, emphasized the importance of quality storytelling, 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.”

The festival also hosted insightful Screen Talks sessions at BFI Southbank, featuring renowned directors and actors such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Chloé Zhao. Matheson noted the diverse textures of the program aimed to resonate with London’s discerning audiences, who are accustomed to high-quality cinema.

With its rich tapestry of films and performances, the BFI London Film Festival continues to be a pivotal event in the international film calendar, showcasing artistic talent and innovative storytelling from around the globe.