Literary ghosts are not usually invited to film premieres, but Virginia Woolf managed to make an appearance all the same. At SXSW London, a new adaptation of her novel opened the festival's film strand with enough romance to charm the audience. Cast members Haley Bennett, Timothy Spall, and Jack Whitehall were among those in attendance at the event. 

Ahead of the premiere, Bennett and her co-stars reflected on bringing Woolf's work to the screen, the enduring spell of her legacy, and the peculiar challenge of inhabiting characters already immortalized in literature.

Directed by Tina Gharavi, Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day is an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel of the same name. It starts on a romantic note, following the character Katharine Hilbery, but slowly takes a different turn as she fights against the patriarchal system of her time to pursue her dreams. And Bennett, who plays the role of Hilbery, finds these themes that are relevant even in this era, as intriguing and inspiring. 

“It’s so fresh and rare to have a female lead who has absolutely no interest in romance, and that was something that I really aspire to,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.

Despite the film’s anti-romantic theme, love remains in how Hilbery pursues her dreams. Bennett also shared that she never gave up on her dreams and hopes that this determination will inspire her daughter. Meanwhile, Jack Whitehall expressed his excitement about working alongside fellow comedians on the film.

Sally Phillips, who is also part of the film, shared her thoughts on Woolf’s novel and writing style. She praised the author's unique approach as she pointed out how the narrative begins like a traditional romance before taking an entirely new direction. Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day is one of several notable films premiering at the event. 

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Interestingly, another film inspired by Virginia Woolf’s writing had also arrived in May this year. 

Clarissa is a modern reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs. Dalloway. The film received a standing ovation following its debut at the Directors’ Fortnight competition. Directed by filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri, the film stars Sophie Okonedo as Clarissa, a society woman preparing to host a party that reunites her with friends from her past. 

Over the course of a single evening, the characters revisit memories of old relationships, lost ambitions, hidden desires, and love. David Oyelowo, India Amarteifio, Ayo Edebiri, Toheeb Jimoh, and Nikki Amuka-Bird are also part of the cast. While an official release date has yet to be announced, distributor Neon has acquired worldwide rights to the project.

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What do you think about Haley Bennett and Jack Whitehall's anti-romantic novel adaptation? Share your take.