AceShowbiz - The curtains officially closed on the 2025 BFI London Film Festival in spectacular fashion, with director Julia Jackman's highly anticipated fantasy feature, 100 Nights of Hero, taking center stage. The grand finale saw a constellation of stars gather at the city’s prestigious Royal Festival Hall, bringing an illustrious run of premieres to a memorable conclusion.

Canadian filmmaker Julia Jackman was joined by her celebrated cast members, including Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones, who graced the red carpet on Sunday night. While the event celebrated the film's triumph, notable cast members Nicholas Galitzine and Charli xcx were unable to attend, their presence missed but their contributions to the film undoubtedly felt.

Jackman’s sophomore feature is a visually stunning fantasy, meticulously crafted from Isabel Greenberg’s acclaimed graphic novel of the same name. Set within a captivating fairytale kingdom, the narrative of 100 Nights of Hero unfurls with an enchanting blend of whimsy and intrigue. The story centers on Cherry (played by Maika Monroe), who appears to lead an idyllic life, happily married to Jerome (portrayed by Amir El-Masry). However, their inability to conceive an heir casts a shadow over their domestic bliss.

The plot thickens when Jerome mysteriously absconds, paving the way for the arrival of his dashing yet cunning friend, Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine), whose intentions are far from honorable. It is then that Hero (played by Emma Corrin), Cherry’s quick-witted and fiercely loyal maid, steps forward. Forced to devise an ingenious plan to protect her mistress, Hero embarks on a captivating journey of storytelling, recounting tales of rebellious women to distract Manfred and buy precious time.

On stage, a visibly moved Julia Jackman shared her long-held dream. “I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,” she confessed, adding, “And 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.” Her words underscored the passion and dedication poured into bringing this unique vision to life, a sentiment echoed by her lead actors.

Emma Corrin, renowned for their roles in The Crown, the upcoming Nosferatu, and Deadpool & Wolverine, spoke about the collaborative process of developing the character of Hero with Jackman. “So much of it was in Julia’s incredible adaptation,” Corrin explained. They highlighted Hero’s compelling attributes, noting, “Hero’s all-knowing wisdom — she [has] confidence and knows who she is and there’s a real relief to playing someone like that. We chatted a lot about that, and [about] getting the comedy right.”

Maika Monroe, celebrated for her performance in last year’s horror hit Longlegs, lauded Jackman’s screenplay. She described the script for 100 Nights of Hero as “so incredibly unique and so beautiful.” Monroe continued, “Even just reading the script, I could imagine this fantastical world. I fell in love with Cherry. … [There] was just this feeling of, like, needing to do this role.” Her deep connection to the character and the world of 100 Nights of Hero promises an immersive performance.

The film first garnered international attention at its world premiere in August during Venice Critics Week. Early reviews, including one from The Hollywood Reporter, described the feature as “eccentric, fey and surprisingly dark.” This critical reception hints at a film that transcends typical fantasy tropes, offering audiences a nuanced and thought-provoking experience that perfectly capped off the vibrant programming of the BFI London Film Festival.