A Star-Studded Finale: The 2025 BFI London Film Festival Closes with Julia Jackman’s 100 Nights of Hero

2025 BFI London Film Festival Closes with a Star-Studded Celebration of ‘100 Nights of Hero’

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival (LFF) wrapped up in spectacular fashion on Sunday night, with Canadian filmmaker Julia Jackman leading a dazzling cast at the Royal Festival Hall for the premiere of her highly anticipated film, 100 Nights of Hero. The event marked a fitting conclusion to an 11-day cinematic extravaganza that showcased a diverse array of talent and storytelling.

Jackman was joined on stage by an impressive lineup, including Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones. Notably absent were key cast members Nicholas Galitzine and pop sensation Charli XCX, who plays a supporting role in the film.

Based on Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel, 100 Nights of Hero transports audiences to a visually stunning fairytale kingdom. The plot follows Cherry (Monroe), who is blissfully married to Jerome (El-Masry), but their idyllic life is disrupted when Jerome disappears. Enter Manfred (Galitzine), Jerome’s charming yet nefarious friend, prompting Hero (Corrin), Cherry’s clever maid, to weave enchanting tales of rebellious women to distract him.

“I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,” Jackman expressed during her heartfelt speech. “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, praised Jackman’s adaptation, highlighting Hero’s confidence and wisdom. “There’s a real relief to playing someone like that,” she shared, emphasizing the collaborative process behind her character’s development.

Monroe, who gained acclaim for her role in last year’s horror hit Longlegs, described Jackman’s script as “incredibly unique and beautiful.” She added, “Even just reading the script, I could imagine this fantastical world. I fell in love with Cherry.”

The film has already garnered attention, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it “eccentric, fey, and surprisingly dark.” The review noted the unexpected appearance of Charli XCX as an unlucky bride, adding a layer of intrigue to the film’s narrative.

The festival, which kicked off on October 8 with the European premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, featured a total of 247 titles from 79 countries. A-listers such as George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Emma Stone graced the Southbank, making it a star-studded affair.

LFF director Kristy Matheson emphasized the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of stories that reflect London’s vibrant cinema culture. “We want different types of stories because here in London, the cinema audiences are amazing,” she stated.

As the curtains fall on this year’s festival, the spotlight shines on the remarkable films and talents that graced the screens, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what the next edition will bring.