A kingdom steeped in ancient lore and shadowed by rigid tradition is about to be delightfully disrupted. 100 Nights of Hero, the new film from Julia Jackman, isn’t just a fairytale retelling – it’s a vibrant, rebellious whisper against the constraints of societal expectation.
The story unfolds within an alternate realm, inspired by Middle Eastern folktales and Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel. Cherry, beautifully portrayed by Maika Monroe, finds herself a new bride to Jerome, but their union is burdened by a critical demand: produce an heir. The pressure mounts, not just from her husband, but from a watchful deity and a society that measures a woman’s worth by her ability to bear children.
Failure isn’t an option, and the consequences are chillingly illustrated in the kingdom’s stained-glass windows – stark reminders of past female “sins,” while celebrating male exception. A hundred and one nights are granted to fulfill this decree, placing Cherry under immense scrutiny and sparking a chain of events that will unravel the kingdom’s carefully constructed order.
Into this tense atmosphere arrives Manfred, played with charming audacity by Nicholas Galitzine. His presence ignites a dangerous spark, throwing Cherry’s world into further chaos. But a quiet strength resides within the castle walls – Hero, Cherry’s devoted maid, brought to life by Emma Corrin.
Hero isn’t merely a servant; she’s a protector, a keen observer who senses the danger Manfred represents. Each night, she weaves enchanting tales of defiant sisters – including a captivating Rosa, portrayed by Charli XCX – women who dared to forge their own paths, offering Cherry a glimpse of a different possibility.
The film’s atmosphere is intoxicating, a gothic fantasy reminiscent of both *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Poor Things*. A bold color palette and avant-garde costumes create a visually stunning world, while the exploration of desire is refreshingly frank. Manfred’s overt advances, though often humorous, underscore the power dynamics at play.
But beneath the surface of playful horniness lies a deeper current. Jackman masterfully balances whimsy with meaning, narrated with a sharp wit by Felicity Jones. The film doesn’t shy away from confronting misogyny, but it does so with a light touch, even finding humor in the absurdity of the kingdom’s ineffective security – guards more interested in gossip than genuine protection.
As Cherry listens to Hero’s stories, a realization dawns: her life doesn’t have to be predetermined. “I was supposed to get married, have children, do needlepoint and die, I guess,” she muses, a quiet rebellion brewing within her.
100 Nights of Hero is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, a quirky and queer offering that thrives beyond the constraints of studio expectations. It’s a film that doesn’t just entertain; it provokes thought, sparks conversation, and celebrates the enduring spirit of those who dare to defy convention.
This is a fairytale flipped on its head, a story told with flair, wit, and a profound understanding of the battles fought – and still being fought – for female agency and self-determination.
