Tuesday 10 November 2026
Following its UK premiere at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, Heysel 85 is coming to UK cinemas from Friday 20 November. The film tells the true story of the tragedy at Brussels’ Heysel Stadium during the 1985 European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus. It is directed by award-winning filmmaker Teodora Ana Mihai and released by Icon Film Distribution. Here are five things to know before you go.
1. It retells one of football’s darkest nights
The film is set at Brussels’ Heysel Stadium on the night of the 1985 European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus. As thousands of fans descend on the ground, old club rivalries fuel a heated atmosphere, and the confrontation soon spirals into an eruption of violence. The story goes on to reveal the devastating consequences that led to top English clubs being banned from competing in Europe for years. Its makers describe it as an unflinching look at a moment that football might rather forget. Rather than a straightforward historical reconstruction, the tragedy unfolds as a lived, moment-by-moment experience from the heart of the disaster.
2. A political thriller as well as a disaster drama
At the centre of the story are the mayor’s daughter and an Italian journalist, who are drawn into the heart of the catastrophe as the death toll quickly rises. Both are caught between professional duty, family loyalty and moral responsibility. That gives the film a sharp political edge, with themes that feel remarkably relevant today: moral versus professional responsibility, escalating tensions and politically motivated cover-ups. The press notes describe it as a powerful blend of drama and documentary that takes audiences right into the stadium. Expect an intense and immersive film rather than an easy watch.
3. An award-winning director and a strong cast
Heysel 85 is directed by Teodora Ana Mihai, the award-winning filmmaker behind La civil. Violet Braeckman, whose credits include War, leads the cast alongside Matteo Simoni, known for Callboys, and Josse De Pauw, from Everybody’s Famous!. They are joined by Fabrizio Rongione, Paolo Calabresi, Bobby Schofield and Ben Segers. The film runs for a tight 92 minutes and carries a 12A certificate. Given its subject, which critics have called harrowing and claustrophobic, it’s worth bearing in mind that this is a tough watch, especially if you’re thinking of taking younger teenagers.
4. It has impressed festival audiences
The film had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it earned huge acclaim for its unflinching examination of the human and political forces surrounding the tragedy. It then had its UK premiere at the 70th BFI London Film Festival this autumn, ahead of its cinema release. Variety praised the film as “riveting at every turn” and a “stark reminder of the entwinement between soccer and corruption”. Gazettely called it “a harrowing, claustrophobic examination of institutional rot” and “a formidable cultural critique”. That’s a strong run for a film tackling such difficult material.
5. UK critics are on board too
British reviewers have also responded well following the London premiere. Sight & Sound called it “An impressive achievement”, while UK Film Review gave it four stars and described it as “An important, powerful film”. The Upcoming also awarded four stars, calling it “Uncompromising”. For football fans, it’s a chance to look again at a night whose consequences included a years-long European ban for top English clubs. For film lovers, it’s a gripping political thriller with a documentary feel, and well worth seeking out at your local cinema from 20 November.
Tickets and info
Heysel 85
In UK cinemas from Friday 20 November 2026
Director: Teodora Ana Mihai
Starring: Violet Braeckman, Matteo Simoni, Josse De Pauw, Fabrizio Rongione, Paolo Calabresi, Bobby Schofield, Ben Segers
Running time: 92 minutes
Certificate: 12A
Distributor: Icon Film Distribution
Check your local cinema for times and prices