Marking the second film of by Canada-born, UK-based Julia Jackman, 100 Nights Of Hero follows her 2023 debut Bonus Track. The historical fantasy is based on Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel of the same name, which is based on folk tale One Thousand and One Nights, and stars Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe and Nicholas Galitzine.
Set in a world moulded by a god called Birdman (Richard E Grant, rather than Michael Keaton), his vision sees men rule the world with a beak mask-wearing religion and blatant misogyny. In this world, unhappily married Cherry (Monroe) is blamed for not bearing an heir although her husband Jerome (Asir El-Masry) won’t sleep with her. When Jerome leaves on business, he makes a bet with his friend Manfred (Galitzine) that he cannot seduce Cherry within 100 nights.
For a woman, Birdman’s world is scary – while men rule, women are forbidden to read and write; all they are expected to do is be faithful, nay subservient, wives who bear sons. Either way, it’s a dark world for women and especially for Cherry, whose husband refuses to consummate their marriage but blames her for not being pregnant. Her virtue and special skills (namely in falconry and chess) makes her the ideal woman in Manfred’s eyes but also an ideal target, and doesn’t waste any time trying to seduce his friend’s wife. But in a world where women have no power, Cherry’s maid and best friend Hero (Corrin) is on hand to protect her.
The first thing that audiences will notice about 100 Nights of Hero is its visual impact. The blend of gorgeous Elizabethan costumes, vivid colours (especially in the night-time interior scenes reminiscent of Dario Argento’s Suspiria) and the centre-framed shots that come from a Wes Anderson film is not only stunning but creates an picturesque setting for Jackman’s vision. Mostly set around Jerome’s castle and hedged gardens, the setting confines the narrative and, in turn, leaves little room for Cherry to escape Manfred’s attentions.
This is where Hero’s talents as a storyteller comes in, as she tells the tale of three sisters who secretly love to read and write stories but end up being punished for their passion. Although the story is initially used as a distraction to give Cherry a breather from Manfred, it gradually builds empathy towards the sisters while highlighting the inequality enforced upon them in the world. It also draws parallels between Cherry and Manfred, testing their consciences as the nights go by. Should she be punished for doing nothing wrong? Should he feel guilt about targeting a neglected yet beautiful married woman? These moments of contemplation become woven amid a slow-burning romance that not only keeps the audience on their toes but paints Hero as the quiet feminist heroine this world needs.
Having last appeared in cinemas in Deadpool & Wolverine and Nosferatu, Corrin has made their mark in cinema, with their outstanding performance as Hero is among their best. With a wry smile and knowing glance, they exude a coolness that shows Hero’s awareness of the world and especially, the ways of men. It is this confidence that creates a comforting presence around the beguiling Monroe, enabling the film’s queer angle to awaken in the most tender of ways. In contrast, Galitzine channels his inner sleaze as Manfred, taking delight in being the flirty womaniser he obviously is, only to come across as nothing more than a beautiful idiot.
Jackman builds a rich and textured canvas through her bold direction and sharp screenplay, keeping its humour and feminist themes aligned throughout the narrative. This slightly affects the pacing, especially as it takes place over 100 nights, so the intrigue of Hero’s story feels lost between Manfred’s wasted seductions and Cherry’s sexual frustration. Yet, its dry narration (courtesy of executive producer Felicity Jones, who has a short yet sweet role as Moon) offers a deadpan edge, as does the guards’ hilariously hidden reactions to the castle’s activities, which shows the lingering magic of Hero’s stories. Furthermore, the relationship between Hero and Cherry beautifully develops as the latter has her eyes opened to the concept of love, even if it leads to the film’s bittersweet yet quietly empowering ending.
Gorgeous, funny and poignant, Jackman’s creative vision of Greenberg’s graphic novel is a feast for the eyes. Along with its delightful cast, captivating story and its feminist themes, 100 Nights of Hero is more than your average folk tale adaptation.
Rating: 
Director: Julia Jackman
Stars: Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Nicholas Galitzine, Asir El-Masry, Charli XCX, Richard E Grant
Runtime: 90 minutes
Country: UK, USA
