If there’s one thing Jack Brett Anderson doesn’t do, it’s fit into boxes. And that’s exactly what has made his career so compelling. The British actor has already established himself as a chameleon of sorts, moving seamlessly from stage to screen with performances that refuse to be pigeonholed. From his portrayal of a conflicted inmate to a 14th-century royal and a modern-day romantic exploring the gravity of a single transformative night, Anderson is a master of reinvention. But behind each role, no matter how vastly different, is a commitment to authenticity, emotional depth, and a raw vulnerability that make his characters feel intensely human.
A Career Built on Range and Risk
Anderson’s journey started on the stage, where his breakout role as Prince Edward in Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II set the tone for what would become a diverse and fearless career. He followed this with Held, where he portrayed two very different characters, Jamie and Flynn, prison inmates struggling with their own fractured realities. The emotional depth of these roles showed that Anderson wasn’t just about playing parts; he was about inhabiting lives, giving each character a soul. His transition into directing with Tina Jay’s Syndrome, a psychological exploration of soldiers during Operation Desert Storm, only deepened his understanding of storytelling and the emotional truths that lie at the heart of great drama.
A Night Like This: A Tender Exploration of Connection
Now, with a string of credits spanning fantasy dramas, award-winning docudramas, and indie festival gems, Anderson continues to evolve both as an actor and a director. His most recent project, A Night Like This, a tender and atmospheric exploration of an unexpected bond that forms over the course of one transformative night, has already made waves on the festival circuit, including a highly anticipated world premiere at BFI Flare. Set for a theatrical release on September 26, 2025, the film has been compared to iconic queer stories like Before Sunrise and Weekend, both intimate, character-driven narratives about fleeting, yet profound, human connections.
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The Heart of Lukas: A Character With Depth
When it came to his role in A Night Like This, Anderson was immediately drawn to the script’s portrayal of Lukas, a young, hopeful actor who has been crushed by disappointment and vulnerability. “I was grabbed by this young, hopeful actor who has been crushed by disappointment and feeling darkness that lurks for the vulnerable,” he reflects. “All actors have had their fair share of ups and downs, and with this being written so well, it needed to be told and brought to life.” He goes on to describe Lukas as a “beautiful soul” who, despite his naive view of the world, is not wrong to have seen it that way. “What came with meeting Oliver showed that things come when you least expect them to,” he says.
Building Chemistry: A Friendship That Transformed the Story
Building the chemistry with his co-star, Alexander Lincoln, was another key element of the film’s success. The two actors met just at the start of the process, but Anderson recalls how their connection grew alongside their characters’ journey. “In many ways, how we first came together is similar to how our characters came together,” he explains. “It’s really a conversation; the characters’ stories drive the film. Since we filmed it chronologically, it really fed our performances, and we grew alongside our characters as friends.”
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Premiering at BFI Flare: A Dream Come True
Anderson’s enthusiasm for A Night Like This is palpable, especially when talking about its debut at BFI Flare. “I’ve never been here before, so being able to come to BFI Flare and be a part of a film that’s having its debut here is just amazing. I’m really proud. I’m happy films like these are getting the airtime they deserve,” he says, clearly grateful for the opportunity. “I really hope people enjoy it.”
The Takeaway: Embrace Vulnerability and Take Risks
While the film explores themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the risk of letting people in, Anderson encourages viewers to take away one essential lesson: “Take a risk! Have those conversations, especially if you’re feeling like there’s no hope. Don’t be afraid to say yes, even if you’re the most uncomfortable you’ve ever been. You can learn a lot from strangers. When it seems like it’s the end, it’s not.” It’s this openness to risk and vulnerability that makes his portrayal of Lukas so compelling and relatable.
Favorite Queer Films and the Perfect Movie Pairing
As for his favorite queer films, Anderson doesn’t hesitate to mention Call Me By Your Name, a film that continues to resonate with him for its raw, emotionally complex storytelling. And when it comes to movie marathons, he has a suggestion for the ultimate pairing: A Night Like This with Bridesmaids. “It makes you laugh and cry,” he says with a smile, “so it’s the perfect balance—something that hits you emotionally but also gives you those feel-good laughs.”
Conclusion: A Career Without Boundaries
With A Night Like This poised for its big-screen debut, Anderson continues to prove that his refusal to conform is exactly what makes him such a standout actor. Whether he’s playing an inmate, a prince, or a vulnerable romantic, there’s always an emotional core to his work that feels unapologetically human. As his career evolves, one thing is clear: Jack Brett Anderson is never going to fit into a box—and that’s exactly how he likes it.
A Night Like This opens in theaters on September 26, 2025.
Source: Loud and Clear Reviews and Stardust Magazine