BFI London Film Festival 2018: recommendations, tickets to book

By Ella Kemp on 22/10/2018

The BFI London Film Festival 2018 is in full swing for the busiest week in the London film calendar this year. Read on for the CW guide to the best films and essential tickets to book

The Sisters Brothers

Westerns might not be for everyone but between Joaquin Phoenix, John C. Reilly, Riz Ahmed and Jake Gyllenhaal, there's got to be something to look forward to. Based on the much-loved novel of the same name, The Sisters Brothers capitalises on the cast's infectious charisma and Dheepan director Jacques Audiard's flair and humour.

WHEN

Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 October

WHERE

Curzon Soho Cinema

Madeline's Madeline

It's a really exciting feeling when you watch a film worth the hype, before the hype. Indie filmmaker Josephine Decker has been doing the rounds for years, but Madeline's Madeline could be the title to deservedly launch her into the stratosphere. With a magnetic performance from breakout star Helena Howard, the film is imaginative and world-shaking as a portrait of mothers and daughters, actors and directors, women in pain and mental instability at war with art. You won't see anything else like it for a long time.

WHEN

Sunday 21 October, 12:40 PM

WHERE

BFI Southbank

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Melissa McCarthy has a whole host of golden comedy moments under her belt, but Can You Ever Forgive Me? could provide the dramatic backbone she needs. Marielle Heller (Diary of a Teenage Girl) adapts Lee Israel's memoir, the author turned literary forger in the 1980s.

WHEN

19 - 21 October 2018

WHERE

BFI Southbank

Colette

The true story of Nobel Prize-winning author? Check. A Sundance hit with high hopes for the UK? Check. Keira Knightley wearing fantastic costumes destined for stardom on the glittering stage of all the best awards ceremonies? Check, check, checkity check.

WHEN

Friday 11 - 13 October 2018

WHERE

BFI Southbank

Outlaw King

When Outlaw King premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, the talk of the town was on Chris Pine's lack of clothing. In a bath scene. The world went wild. Before the film heads to Netflix later this year, this is your moment to catch the historical drama on the big screen and see it for yourself. All of the epic history, that is...

WHEN

17 - 19 October 2018

WHERE

BFI Southbank

Wild Rose

Remember I'd Do Anything? The BBC talent show searching for Nancy to star in the West End revival of Oliver!? In 2008, Jessie Buckley came second. 10 years later, after an impressive debut in dark indie drama Beast, Buckley takes to the stage as the Glaswegian country singer dreaming of Nashville in a heartwarming, wanderlust-fuelled comedy.

WHEN

Tuesday 15 - 16 October 2018

WHERE

BFI Southbank

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Since its Sundance premiere and US release in June, Won't You Be My Neighbor? is now officially the highest-grossing biographical documentary of all time. Celebrating the life and philosophy of Fred Rogers, the host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the film offers an enlightening and uplifting insight into one of America's most beloved entertainers.

WHEN

14 - 15 October 2018

WHERE

BFI Southbank

Happy New Year, Colin Burstead

Ben Wheatley is no stranger to London Film Festival, and it's a joy to welcome him back after High Rise and Free Fire for the world premiere of his new film Happy New Year, Colin Burstead. There's little to go off for now, but a stunning British ensemble including Peaky Blinders' Joe Cole and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) and the director's keen eye for biting comedy and family drama sets our expectations sky-high.

WHEN

Friday 12 & Saturday 21 October 2018

WHERE

BFI Southbank

Sorry to Bother You

You might not know Boots Riley, but you will soon. The provocative and absurdist director made his feature film debut with Sorry to Bother You earlier this year, and shows no signs of rest. A dark and dangerous insight into the conspiracy nightmares of telemarketing, the film is stylish and terrifying in equal measure. Featuring stunning performances from Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer and Lakeith Stanfield, you won't want to miss one of the most memorable films of this year, sure to be a talking point way into next year's awards season.

WHEN

Friday 11 - 12 October 2018

WHERE

BFI Southbank