“A Night Like This”: Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson Share an Unforgettable London Encounter

As autumn approaches, LGBTQ+ audiences and allies alike have turned their attention to “A Night Like This,” the feature debut from director Liam Calvert, set for UK cinema release on September 26, 2025 . The film stars Alexander Lincoln—well-known for his role in the critically acclaimed “In from the Side”—and Jack Brett Anderson of “Wolfblood” fame, whose palpable onscreen chemistry anchors this poignant story of connection and redemption.

Set against the wintry backdrop of London, “A Night Like This” introduces audiences to Oliver (Lincoln), a brash British entrepreneur facing bankruptcy, and Lukas (Anderson), a German actor grappling with profound isolation and despair . Their paths cross at a pub, each seeking solace from their troubles. What begins as an awkward encounter soon evolves into a revelatory journey through the city’s nocturnal heart—bar-hopping, sharing vulnerable confessions, and confronting uncomfortable truths.

Over the course of the night, Oliver’s bravado and Lukas’s quiet anguish collide, gradually giving way to mutual understanding and a deep, unexpected bond. Through their candid conversations and emotional revelations, the film explores themes of queerness, loneliness, and the search for meaning in turbulent times .

Liam Calvert’s direction draws comparisons to revered queer romances such as “Weekend” and “Before Sunrise,” blending intimate dialogue with atmospheric visuals to immerse viewers in the emotional landscape of his protagonists . The screenplay by Diego Scerrati avoids melodrama, opting instead for realism and subtlety—qualities that have become hallmarks of modern LGBTQ+ storytelling.

Lincoln and Anderson’s performances have been widely praised for their authenticity and depth. Lincoln brings Oliver’s bravado to life with nuance, while Anderson captures Lukas’s vulnerability with raw precision, elevating the film’s emotional core . Critics have highlighted the actors’ chemistry, noting that the connection between Oliver and Lukas feels both spontaneous and deeply earned .

“A Night Like This” stands out for its intersectional approach to representation: Lukas, as a German outsider in London, embodies themes of displacement and cultural alienation, while Oliver’s privileged background and financial struggles challenge stereotypes about class and sexuality within the LGBTQ+ community .

The film’s depiction of mental health, loneliness, and resilience resonates deeply, particularly as Lukas is shown confronting suicidal thoughts—a portrayal handled with sensitivity and care. This narrative choice foregrounds the importance of mental health awareness in queer storytelling, encouraging dialogue and destigmatization .

Early screenings at LGBTQ+ film festivals, including Frameline, have garnered positive reviews, with critics lauding the film’s “thoughtful meet (not so) cute” premise and its honest engagement with the complexities of queer connection . Audiences have responded to the film’s refusal to offer tidy resolutions, instead celebrating its embrace of uncertainty and emotional truth.

On IMDb, “A Night Like This” holds a solid 7.0/10 rating, with user and critic reviews emphasizing the film’s power to evoke empathy and reflection . The movie has already received two awards for its script and performances, further cementing its status as a notable entry in the 2025 queer cinema landscape .

As “A Night Like This” arrives in cinemas, it joins a growing canon of films that foreground authentic, intersectional, and emotionally resonant queer narratives. By centering the lived experiences of two men—each flawed, vulnerable, and searching for meaning—the film offers viewers a mirror for their own journeys, reinforcing the importance of connection, compassion, and self-acceptance.

For LGBTQ+ viewers, allies, and anyone who has ever felt lost in the city’s shadows, “A Night Like This” serves as a powerful reminder that even the briefest encounters can transform lives. In illuminating the beauty of queer connection and the courage it takes to be seen, the film affirms the ongoing evolution of LGBTQ+ representation—and the enduring relevance of stories told from the heart.