Carey Mulligan Shines in Pleated White at the ‘Wildwood’ London Premiere

Laura Bais
Carey Mulligan
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Some red carpet appearances are all about making a statement, while others shine through their subtlety. Carey Mulligan’s entrance at the ‘Wildwood’ premiere in London clearly belonged to the latter category. Dressed in a radiant pleated white gown, she exuded a soft, storybook charm at one of the festival’s most significant events.

Mulligan has a rich history on the BFI London Film Festival carpet. Over the years, she has donned stunning pieces like a Chanel Couture dress at the 2015 screening of ‘Suffragette’ and an oxblood Giambattista Valli Couture gown in 2017. This year, she returned for a unique project, a stop-motion fantasy from Laika.

On Sunday, October 11, the actress graced the world premiere of ‘Wildwood’ at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, posing for photos alongside director Travis Knight. She opted for a long-sleeved white pleated dress featuring a wide, boat-style neckline and a subtly shimmering finish. Her honey-blonde hair was styled in loose, tousled waves, complemented by small drop earrings, and images from the carpet captured her joy and ease.

The dress featured delicate vertical pleats from the neckline to the hem, creating movement and a subtle metallic sheen under the lights. The oversized sleeves and tailored silhouette maintained a simple yet dramatic look. Paired with understated jewelry and natural makeup, the overall impression was serene and polished.

This appearance was a more understated choice compared to some of her recent looks. At the 2026 BAFTAs, for instance, she wore a custom navy satin Prada gown with a halter neckline and an open back, following her nomination for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island.’ This time, the soft fabric perfectly matched the film’s fairy-tale essence.

In ‘Wildwood,’ Mulligan voices Alexandra, the Dowager Governess, who once ruled the kingdom hidden in the forest outside Portland but has become unhinged with grief following the accidental death of her 12-year-old son. She leads an army of coyotes, and her pursuit of Prue’s baby brother propels the narrative.

Critics have highlighted her performance, with one festival review noting her complex portrayal of a grief-stricken villain, making audiences empathize with her plight. Another critic remarked that she stands out in an already impressive cast, delivering some of the film’s most impactful moments.

The premiere was a significant event for the studio, marking its first film since 2019’s ‘Missing Link.’ The voice cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue, Jacob Tremblay as her classmate Curtis, with Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Tom Waits, and Charlie Day also featured. Knight directs from a script by Chris Butler, adapting the 2011 novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis.

Early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. The film debuted to critical acclaim and currently leads Gold Derby’s odds for the Best Animated Feature Oscar. Reviewers have praised its ambition, although some have pointed out inconsistencies in how well the story supports the animation.

Screenshot 2026 10 12 at 08 59 01 Wildwood Rotten Tomatoes

The film is set to open the AFI Fest later this month for its North American premiere. It will then hit theaters on October 23 in the US and UK, with Fathom Entertainment managing the release, and a day earlier in Australia. For Mulligan, this means more red carpets and discussions about a villain who has already captivated critics.

With a role that critics are buzzing about and a carpet look that echoed the film’s enchanting magic, Mulligan created one of the evening’s standout moments. If the early excitement continues, the upcoming weeks could bring even more attention.

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