Haley Bennett sat down with HeyUGuys to discuss her new starring role in Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day, the new adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel which opened the SXSW London Film Festival. Starring alongside Lily Allen, Jack Whitehall, Timothy Spall and Jennifer Saunders, Bennett was immediately drawn to the project, describing the script as “dynamite” and praising its exploration of love, identity and what it means to be a woman striving to live authentically.
A longtime admirer of Woolf’s work, Bennett said one of the film’s biggest appeals was its central character, Katherine, who refuses to let romance define her future. “It’s so rare to come across a story where a woman isn’t defined by romance,” she explained, comparing Katherine’s journey to coming-of-age stories such as Lady Bird and Little Women. Instead of conforming to society’s expectations, Katherine is determined to pursue her own ambitions and live life on her own terms.
Bennett also praised writer Justine Waddell’s adaptation for bringing a modern sensibility to Woolf’s themes. She particularly appreciated how the film examines both female and male expectations, encouraging audiences to challenge judgement and embrace individuality.
Discussing her co-stars, Bennett was full of praise for Lily Allen, describing her as “a genius” and a natural fit for her outspoken character. She also highlighted Jack Whitehall’s performance as Mr Rodney, calling him “really fantastic” in the role.
The actress revealed that one unexpected influence on the film was the work of John Hughes, with the filmmakers asking what a John Hughes movie might look like as a period drama. The result, Bennett said, is a film that feels fresh and alive, blending historical settings with a contemporary spirit that makes Night & Day feel both timeless and modern.
