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| Author | Mia Blakeney |
The 69th BFI London Film Festival took place from 8 – 19 October 2025, across cinemas in London and around the UK, and on the BFI Player.
The festival showcased many exciting upcoming films coming to cinema in the next few months, and members of the DCM team were in the audience to share their reviews.
Last year’s festival included major award-winning films such as Anora, Conclave and Blitz, so it’s safe to say that this year’s LFF selection will be one’s to watch for the 2026 awards season.
Each of these films provide ample opportunity for brands to reach premium, ABC1 adult audiences in the attention-rich, high-engagement cinema environment.
To find out more or discuss any opportunities for any of these films, speak to your DCM rep today.
Release Date: 7 November 2025
"A stark, often darkly comedic study of a young marriage, this sees both Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson on top form. Director Lynne Ramsay unpacks cycles of love, hate and familial ties - one for fans of 2017's Mother!"
Chris Rogers – Agency Executive
Release Date: 14 November 2025
"This was the biggest crowd-pleaser of the festival. Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgard give wonderful performances in the gay leather romcom of the year. A window into a subculture of the queer community so rarely seen on the big screen - by turns hilarious, awkward and tender. Best seen with a packed-out audience!"
Chris Rogers – Agency Executive
Release Date: 26 December 2025
"A real treat. As emotionally honest as The Worst Person In The World; at times heartbreaking but never short on winsome laughs (a choice of birthday present to a young cinephile practically blew the roof off at my screening!). Renate Reinsve continues her meteoric rise, and Stellan Skarsgard has never been better."
Chris Rogers – Agency Executive
Release Date: 1 January 2026
"Sports biopics are having a really big moment and there’s a reason for that – they’re interesting whether you know anything about the history or not. Steve Coogan proves yet again that he’s a seriously underrated actor, starring as the Irish Manager Mick McCarthy – blending his natural comedic side with the more dramatic themes needed at times, whilst Eanna Hardwicke brings emotion and empathy to the brooding Keane making you really struggle to decide which side of the fall out you fall on.
In a packed festival, this was one of the highlights, and definitely one for fans of football or fans of early 00s nostalgia alike!"
Korrine Eshun – Agency Manager
Release Date: 16 January 2026
"Hikari’s Rental Family gives a fascinating and heartwarming glimpse into Japanese culture and the epidemic of loneliness that persists within. Brendan Fraser continues his revival with another truly touching performance as Phillip. Phillip’s relationship with both Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman) and Kikou (Akira Emoto) will leave you feeling nothing but ‘warm and fuzzy’ inside, with Hikari finding a good balance between the film’s light-hearted moments and upsetting themes."
Matthew Cotter - Insight Manager
Release Date: 30 January 2026
"Bradley Cooper continues to prove himself a versatile and adept filmmaker, with this loose adaptation of John Bishop (yes, that John Bishop’s) journey to becoming a stand-up comedian. Will Arnett, in his biggest lead live-action role to date, is an engaging presence, and Laura Dern is excellent, as usual, as his wife. It’s a grown up comedy-drama, about grown ups dealing with grown up things, and it should appeal to grown ups who like that sort of thing. I certainly do."
Tom Linay – Content Business Director
Release Date: 20 February 2026
"Following a fairly timid inmate - who’s prospects of early release after a 13-year prison sentence come under threat following the arrival of their unstable new cellmate – the film pits two of the UKs best up and coming actors against each other. David Johnsson and Tom Blythe spoke before the film about their long years of friendship, and it’s clear to see from the chemistry the two have on screen. The clash of personalities leads to endless tension that culminates in a truly unexpected way.
Director Cal McMau’s debut is seriously impressive as he intertwines cell phone footage, the experiences of real prisoners and that grey tone we’ve come to know and love from gritty British dramas!"
Korrine Eshun – Agency Manager
The Secret Agent
Release Date: 27 February 2026
"Set against the backdrop of political turmoil in 1970s Brazil, The Secret Agent blends together the fast-paced tension of modern thrillers with the humour and intrigue of neo-noir films of days gone by. With a star turn by Wagner Moura that is sure to see him nominated across the major awards next year this really had one of the most intriguing stories of the whole festival!"
Korrine Eshun – Agency Manager
Find out more about all upcoming films at www.dcm.co.uk/films