A rapid fire review of everything I watched (in order) during my first attendance at the London Film Festival. Subscribe below, or just save this page for later to check back for links to full reviews, which will be available closer to each movie’s release date.
A REAL PAIN
Starring Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed this story of the trapped cycle of grief. A heart-warming, frustrating and wonderfully executed comedy drama that perfectly pairs Culkin’s selfish, unreachable and raw Benji with Eisenberg’s contained but ready to burst David. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll relate to this simple, effective and beautifully shot film.
Release: 10th January (UK), 1st November (US)
A NICE INDIAN BOY
A romcom about Naveen, a doctor who comes from a traditional Indian family with a mother that is a little too accepting of her gay son. However, when Naveen brings home his white-artist fiancé to meet the parents, he realises that it’s not just his family who have generational preconceptions to overcome. There are multiple reasons to laugh out loud, but the core themes of family, tradition and acceptance will also pull on your heartstrings.
Release: Early 2025 (UK/US)
NICKEL BOYS
Based on The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, this adaptation takes an ambitious step in putting the audience in the front row seat of a heart aching tale. Centred around a reform school in the South during the 1960s, Nickel Boys is a story about the lifelong bond of Elwood and Turner, and the lasting effects of trauma. It’s also a cold reminder that past actions still require accountability in the present.
Release: 3rd January 2025 (UK), 13th December 2024 (US)
THE GUTTER
Shameik Moore and D’Arby Carden are a combination nobody could have seen coming in this comedy about one man’s natural affinity for bowling. A new look for Moore and a step in a comedic direction we haven’t yet seen from D’Arby. If you’re a fan of silly, crude, and obvious indie humour then this one’s for you.
Release: 1st November (UK/US)
BLITZ
Opening the BFI London Film Festival was Steve McQueen’s latest historical epic. Told through the eyes of a young boy (Elliott Heffernan) and his mum (Saoirse Ronan) during London’s barrage of fire during World War II, Blitz is in many ways a coming of age drama. An emotional journey of survival and determination with McQueen’s usual subtle commentary on human nature.
Release: 1st November (UK/US)
CONCLAVE
An engrossing movie surrounding the politics, power and pulling of strings that goes into electing the new Pope of the Catholic Church. Despite the heavy themes, the movie holds an effortless levity and elects for a refreshingly neutral view of the church. Stunning visuals will hook you as deeply as Ralph Fiennes conflicted Cardinal Lawrence.
Release: 29th November (UK), 25th October (US)
ANORA
A chaotic fever dream from writer director Sean Baker that takes you from the highest of highs to the most crushing of lows. The movie follows Anora/Ani, (Micky Madison) an exotic dancer whose life changes when she meets Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a wealthy Russian businessman. A movie about love and the harsh realities of life which manages to be uniquely funny, adding a twist of sweetness to the cocktail of madness.
Release: 1st November (UK), 18th October (US)
EMILIA PÉREZ
Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña (above), are a triple threat in this Spanish language, French musical drama about three women who are sucked into a tale of secrecy planted by ruthless cartel boss, Juan “Manitas” Del Monte. Part musical, part thriller, and a passionate portrayal of a woman’s desire for freedom. Emilia Pérez is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Release: 25th October (UK), 13th November (US)
THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG
A political driven Iranian drama about the family of government lawyer, Iman (Missagh Zareh) who is forced to sign death warrants during the height of civil unrest in the country. As the country divides, so do the family; devout wife and mother Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) struggles to keep her socially aware daughters Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) under her control, whilst goes to extreme lengths when he suspects someone under his roof is a traitor.
Release: 24th January 2025 (UK)
HARD TRUTHS
Writer and Director Mike Leigh teams up once more with Marianne Jean-Baptiste in this character driven ‘slice of life’ narrative set in London. Pansy (Jean-Baptiste) is struggling and she doesn’t know how to ask for help.
Release: January 2025 (UK)
NIGHTBITCH
Amy Adams is instantly relatable in her open and honest feelings of being a new mother in this warm, funny and occasionally fantastical glimpse into a woman’s innermost thoughts on motherhood. Yes, bringing a new life into this world can be filled with sunshine and rainbows, but sometimes, it can turn you into a literal bitch.
Release: 6th December (UK/US)
WE LIVE IN TIME
A modern day love story centred around detail oriented Tobias (Andrew Garfield) and high achiever Almut (Florence Pugh) who are trying to cope with Almut’s recent cancer diagnosis. Chapter by chapter, their lives unspool, tangle and overlap in this non-linear narrative story about memory, time and how you make the most of both in the face of death.
Release 1st January 2025 (UK)
MARIA
An biographical movie starring Angelina Jolie as renowned opera singer Maria Callas, during her final week of life. Through Maria’s filtered lens she looks back on her life, the choices she’s made and the choices that have been made for her, as she fights to find her voice, one last time.
Release: 10th January 2025 (UK), 27th November (US)
I’ll try to fully review each film listed but make sure to let me know what you’re most excited to check out and if you attended the festival this year.
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