Lily James enjoyed a special family moment at the BFI London Film Festival on Monday, arriving alongside her mother, Ninette Thomson, and her brothers, Charlie and Sam, to support her latest film, The Liberation.
The 37-year-old actress posed proudly with her family on the red carpet, with Ninette affectionately wrapping an arm around her daughter’s waist. The rare public appearance offered a glimpse into Lily’s close family relationships as she celebrated the upcoming mystery drama.
The Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again star looked elegant in a black dress featuring lace detailing, paired with black court shoes and sparkling drop earrings. Her mother opted for a black jumpsuit and leather jacket, while Charlie and Sam looked sharp in matching navy suits and shirts.
Sharing photos from the evening on social media, Lily also praised the close bond she had formed with her The Liberation castmates, affectionately describing them as an “incredible family” alongside her own.
“Home for a whirlwind trip to the London Film Festival screening of The Liberation with this incredible family (plus my real one, too!) BFI thank you,” she wrote.
She also gave her brothers a playful shout-out, adding: “Ps. I have very handsome brothers & I nearly fell asleep in the lift.”
Lily shared photos of herself lounging on the floor of a lift at Claridge’s after taking off her shoes, offering a humorous glimpse behind the glamorous red carpet moments.
Inside Lily James’s New Film, The Liberation
In The Liberation, Lily takes on the role of Ricki, a spiritual guru and cult leader who runs a remote commune. Directed by Guy Nattiv, the mystery drama draws inspiration from the experiences of the filmmaker’s grandmother and her involvement in a cult during the 1980s.
The story follows Rita Cooper, played by Carrie Coon, a middle-aged Holocaust survivor who joins Ricki’s commune in search of healing from past trauma. When Rita’s daughters, portrayed by Bella Ramsey and Odessa Young, discover that she has disappeared into the community, they set out to find and rescue her.
The film is scheduled for release in January. Lily also attended its gala screening at Vue West End on Saturday, where she turned heads in a strapless white gown and silver metallic heels alongside co-star Bella Ramsey.
The 70th BFI London Film Festival began on Wednesday and runs through October 18. Organised by the British Film Institute, this year’s event features 251 films from 88 countries, alongside world premieres, immersive media installations and special onstage discussions.
Why Lily James Took a Break From Acting
The family outing comes after Lily opened up about reaching a point of severe exhaustion following years of working almost continuously.
The actress, who has starred in films including Cinderella, Pride and Prejudice and Baby Driver, said she began to fear she was losing her passion for acting after working consistently since the age of 21.
Speaking to Flaunt magazine, Lily admitted she had become “beyond burned out” and felt she needed time away from the industry.
She subsequently embarked on an eight-month solo journey through Cambodia, describing the experience as an opportunity to recharge, reclaim her time and discover fresh inspiration.
“I really had to be honest with myself,” she explained, reflecting on the importance of stepping back from work. She added that moving from one project to the next had left her feeling as though she was missing opportunities to replenish her creativity.
For Lily, the extended break offered a chance to regain control of her life and reconnect with the enthusiasm that first drew her to acting. Her latest appearance at the London Film Festival marks another milestone as she returns to the spotlight with a new and challenging role.
Source: Compiled from various sources
