Samuel Abrahams marked his transition into feature filmmaking with the premiere of his quirky mockumentary, Lady, featuring the acclaimed actress Sian Clifford. The film made its highly anticipated debut on October 8, 2025, as part of the BFI London Film Festival (LFF). Running from October 8 to October 19, this iteration represented the 69th time the festival had served as a vital global platform for showcasing diverse and innovative cinematic achievements. The anticipation surrounding Abrahams’ first full-length project was palpable, positioning Lady as a significant talking point early in the festival calendar.
The core narrative follows the life of Lady Isabella, a high-society aristocrat whose insatiable hunger for notoriety drives her to hire a young, aspiring filmmaker. Her goal is simple: to have her entire life meticulously documented, turning her existence into a perpetual performance. Sian Clifford, widely recognized for her BAFTA-winning performance in the series Fleabag, delivers a compelling portrayal of Isabella—a deeply narcissistic figure whose reality is entirely shaped by the presence and attention of the camera lens. The script, a collaborative effort between Abrahams and Miranda Campbell Bowling, is a sophisticated blend of biting social satire aimed squarely at the privileged classes and subtle elements of magical realism. This unique stylistic combination allows the film to delve into profound questions regarding the universal human need for external validation and genuine connection in an age dominated by curated self-image.
As Isabella’s obsession with the camera’s glow spirals out of control, the story deliberately shifts into a surreal landscape, challenging the audience’s perception of her sanity and, ultimately, the authenticity of her identity. While Lady represents Abrahams’ leap into the feature format, his pedigree in visual storytelling is well-established. He previously earned critical recognition, including a BAFTA nomination in 2010 for his short film Connect, and possesses extensive experience directing documentary television projects. This background lends a sharp, observational quality to Lady, even within its mockumentary framework.
The production itself was geographically focused, with all principal photography taking place exclusively within the historic and stately confines of Somerleyton Hall in Suffolk. The film’s inclusion in the LFF’s "Dare" section underscores its commitment to formal experimentation. This category is specifically reserved for films that push the boundaries of cinematic language and embrace structural or thematic innovation, signaling the film’s challenging and unconventional nature to festival attendees.
The 69th LFF offered a robust schedule brimming with highly anticipated international premieres. Setting the tone for the eleven-day event was the international screening of Rian Johnson’s latest mystery, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment in his globally successful detective series. The festival concluded on a high note with the UK premiere of Julia Jackman’s historical fantasy drama, 100 Nights of Hero. Crucially, the organizers emphasized accessibility alongside artistic excellence. They made a concerted effort to ensure the festival was within reach of a wide audience, offering standard tickets starting at an affordable £10. Furthermore, viewers under the age of 25 benefited from a deeply discounted rate of just £6, a measure designed to encourage younger generations to engage with the complex and diverse spectrum of contemporary world cinema.