11 British movies you don’t want to miss at London Film Festival – including an “intense” thriller

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This year’s complete lineup for the BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is now available, brimming with a host of enticing new films to anticipate!

The 2025 event will be happening from the 8th to the 19th of October in London and various British locations, boasting an impressive roster of confirmed movies.

* The general public will have access to festival tickets starting from 16th September.
* However, BFI members can make their bookings a week earlier, starting from 9th September.
* And if you’re a Patron member, you get the exclusive advantage of booking your tickets a whole day before everyone else – that’s 8th September!

What to Read Next

If you find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the variety of options, don’t worry! There are numerous upcoming films featuring British talent that are definitely worth watching. Grab your tickets soon!

Here, Digital Spy has rounded-up a list of 11 British highlights to look forward to.

& Sons

In this film directed by Pablo Trapero, the acclaimed actor Bill Nighy plays the lead role in a deeply emotional family drama. The story revolves around a solitary author who invites his two adult sons for a revelatory conversation, setting off a chain of significant consequences.

The movie titled “Sons” is adapted from David Gilbert’s novel of the same name. It boasts a star-studded cast comprising George MacKay, Noah Jupe, Imelda Staunton, Johnny Flynn, and Dominic West. Sarah Polley, who wrote the screenplay for “Women Talking“, is responsible for penning the script for this film as well.

Anemone

In a captivating turn of events, Daniel Day-Lewis, who last graced the silver screen eight years ago in “Phantom Thread”, makes a noteworthy comeback in this latest family drama. Interestingly, he has collaborated on the script with his own son, Ronan.

Featuring Sean Bean and Samantha Morton, the movie titled Anemone delves into the complex connections among fathers, sons, and brothers. It unfolds as two long-lost siblings come together at a secluded cabin, where they face their challenging past and healing from their painful upbringing and experiences.

Bad Apples

In the year following the release of her film “Blitz” at the 2024 LFF, Saoirse Ronan returns with a movie that is both “provoking” and “unsettling.” This film revolves around a teacher dealing with an unruly student, a situation that escalates to such an extent that she is compelled to take drastic actions. Unfortunately, her superiors fail to provide the necessary support.

The film titled “Bad Apples” is directed by Jonatan Etzler and written by Jess O’Kane. Notable performances in the movie are given by Jacob Anderson, Rakie Ayola, and Eddie Waller.

The Choral

In the rural village of Yorkshire, during the turbulent times of World War I, “The Choral” – penned by renowned playwright Alan Bennett – unfolds. With local men joining the battlefront, the choral society finds itself understaffed. As a result, they recruit unexpected teenagers to step into their places.

Featuring Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam, Mark Addy, Alun Armstrong, and Simon Russell Beale, this film promises to highlight the profound impact of community during difficult times, indicating it could be a poignant and moving experience.

Giant

This movie, based on a true story, follows the life of boxer Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed, portrayed by Amir El-Masry. Originating from a simple background in Sheffield, he faced challenges such as racism and Islamophobia. His life takes a turn when he encounters trainer Brendan Ingle, brilliantly brought to life on screen by Pierce Brosnan’s outstanding performance.

This true-to-life tale spotlights an extraordinary bond formed in an unanticipated alliance, penned by writer and director Rowan Athale. Acting alongside are Katherine Dow Blyton, Olivia Barrowclough, and Austin Haynes.

Good Boy

The film titled “Good Boy” is characterized as a captivating, intense, and intricately complex thriller. It boasts a stellar ensemble featuring Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, and Anson Boon.

The film revolves around a 19-year-old delinquent named Tommy who is abducted and compelled to adapt to family life, needing to modify his conduct to transform into a ‘well-behaved lad.’ It is expected to be thought-provoking and brimming with excruciating tension.

H Is for Hawk

In this drama, Claire Foy takes the lead role as an academic who is grappling with grief after losing her father. This emotional turmoil leads her to an unusual coping mechanism: training a Northern goshawk. The film also features Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan, and Sam Spruell in notable roles.

The deadline described “H Is for Hawk” as a film that embodies the essence of life, and one that doesn’t merely aim to provoke tears, but sincerely achieves it.

Hamnet

The newly released Shakespeare film starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley has garnered immense praise following its debut at the Telluride Film Festival, boasting a flawless 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. According to Variety, it is “so intensely emotional that it borders on painful”.

According to Maggie O’Farrell’s book titled “Hamnet“, this story offers a fictional portrayal of the life of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, as they grapple with the loss of their son, an event that is believed to have influenced the creation of the play “Hamlet“. The movie version is directed by Chloé Zhao.

Pillion

In a nutshell, the film titled “Pillion” is often praised for its enchanting, seductive, and tender nature. It revolves around a timid young man named Colin who embarks on a unique relationship with a charismatic biker named Ray. As he explores his submissive role in this dynamic, Colin discovers and tests his personal limits.

As a gaming enthusiast, I recently caught a wild, exhilarating flick starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård. This movie, titled, let’s say, a thrilling journey of bodily and emotional navigation, left me in awe as Mashable described it quite accurately.

Rose of Nevada

The space-time adventure in this science fiction story revolves around a peculiar vessel that reappears in a Cornish port, having vanished 30 years earlier. Yet, when two individuals decide to join the ship’s team, they find themselves catapulted back to the ship’s initial time period.

Featuring George MacKay and Callum Turner, the film titled “Rose of Nevada” boasts a flawless rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has been described by Little White Lies as an emotionally stirring and unsettling experience.

Wasteman

In the gritty and confining atmosphere of “Wasteman,” the story revolves around an inmate named Taylor. His hopes for parole are jeopardized when he’s paired with a volatile fellow prisoner, Dee, who pulls him into dangerous feuds among the other convicts.

This hard-hitting, relentless thriller features David Jonsson and Tom Blyth, under the guidance of director Cal McMau.

The BFI London Film Festival takes place between 8-19 October.

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2025-09-03 17:56