4/5
As children, we were all brought up on fairytales in one form or another, whether through books or films, they surrounded us. But as we grow older, we tend to drift away from those fables that once shaped our imagination. 100 Nights of Hero, however, invites viewers to return to that childlike wonder, drawing us into a vibrant and whimsical world from the very first frame.
Director Julia Jackman establishes this fantasy world through vibrant colours, theatrical costuming, and starlike flared lighting, evoking the style and tone of Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel of the same name. Through this visual set-up, the audience is introduced to a patriarchal society where men dictate what women can and cannot do, and where women are valued primarily for their ability to produce heirs.
Despite the restrictive society at its core, the film centres on women’s stories and explores how storytelling itself can inspire and spark change. Cherry (Maika Monroe) is at the heart of this narrative: she is told she has 101 nights to produce an heir, a situation complicated when Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) wagers with her husband, Jerome (Amir El-Masry), that if he can seduce her within 100 days, he will win their castle. However, both men are unaware of Cherry’s true feelings for her maid, Hero (Emma Corrin). Monroe delivers a compelling performance, capturing Cherry’s defiance and vulnerability grounding the story amidst its fantastical visuals.
Woven into Cherry’s story is that of the three sisters, including Rosa (Charli XCX), which highlights the importance of storytelling and its power to inspire. It also demonstrates how the stories we think we know can be reshaped and twisted from what they once were. In doing so, the film becomes a story about stories, a reflection on how retelling and reinterpretation keep myths alive, transforming them into tools for empathy and understanding.
The true highlight of the film lies in its world-building, where every design element feels integral to the story. Production designer Sofia Sacomani and set decorator Tatyana Jinto Rutherson craft a fantastical aesthetic inspired by both the script and the graphic novel, while Susie Coulthard’s imaginative costuming reinforces the storybook-esque tone, bringing a whimsical, otherworldly quality to life.
At the centre of it all is Corrin, whose portrayal of Hero provides the emotional core of the film. Corrin’s performance is the true heartbeat of this story, tying every branch of the story together. Alongside Monroe, they anchor the story with their chemistry giving depth to the films central relationship. Opposite them, Galitzine delivers a standout performance, balancing both charm and menace, allowing the story to move forward with moments of comic relief. Together, their performances ensure the film’s themes of love, power, and storytelling resonate on a deeply human level.
Ultimately, 100 Nights of Hero captivates the audience with its blend of imaginative visuals and layered storytelling. Beyond the fantastical surface, it explores the power of stories to challenge expectations, inspire empathy, and shed light on perspectives often silenced. By centring women’s experiences and highlighting the choices they make within constraining circumstances, the film leaves viewers reflecting on the ways narratives shape our understanding of identity and desire. With its combination of theatrical visuals and engaging performances, it is a film that both delights and resonates, offering something for those who enjoy whimsical fantasy with depth.
You can watch the trailer here
100 Nights of Hero is due to release in UK cinema in January 2026.
rosie reviews 