100 Nights of Hero Review — A Fantastical Storytelling Showcase for Emma Corrin
There are few stories more iconic in Middle Eastern storytelling than One Thousand and One Nights. It’s been transcribed and adapted across cultures for hundreds of years, with The One Hundred Nights of Hero using the spine of the story for a new retelling as a graphic novel. The adaptation of that graphic is set […]
The legendary tales of One Thousand and One Nights have captivated audiences for centuries, inspiring countless adaptations. The latest is 100 Nights of Hero, a film from director Julia Jackman based on a graphic novel that reimagines the classic framework. Despite a cast filled with rising stars and a clear artistic vision, the movie doesn't quite come together, even as it highlights the immense talent involved.
A Desperate Bargain
The story is set in a mythical land governed by a strict religious order. A young couple, Jerome (Amir El-Masry) and Cherry (Maika Monroe), face immense pressure because they have yet to conceive a child. The religious authorities give them an ultimatum: produce an heir within one hundred days. Things get complicated when Jerome’s womanizing friend, Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine), arrives. After a night of drinking, the two men make a foolish bet. Jerome agrees to leave his home for 100 nights, and if Manfred can seduce Cherry in his absence, the castle will be his.
Left alone and distraught, Cherry finds herself struggling against Manfred's persistent and charming advances. He connects with her in a way her husband never did, creating a powerful temptation. To help her resist, Cherry enlists her maid, Hero (Emma Corrin). Hero begins telling a captivating story each night about three women who defied the law to learn how to read. As the lines between Hero's tale and their own reality begin to blur, the relationship between Cherry and her maid deepens in unexpected ways.
A Mixed Bag of Performances
Both Corrin and Monroe, known for their work in drama and horror, get a chance to show off their comedic chops here. Corrin is the undeniable star, delivering another captivating performance that leverages their unique, pixie-like presence. Much like in their previous roles, they convey a world of feeling with just a glance, bringing a depth to Hero that goes far beyond the script.
Maika Monroe steps out of her scream queen comfort zone, and while she takes some time to find her footing, she builds believable chemistry with both Corrin and Galitzine, making the film's central romances feel genuine. Nicholas Galitzine, on the other hand, delivers a performance that feels a bit too familiar. He’s effortlessly charming, but he doesn’t bring anything new to the table, falling short of the comedic energy he showed in Bottoms or the romantic appeal from The Idea of You. It feels like a missed opportunity for an actor poised for stardom.
Unfortunately, the rest of the talented cast is largely wasted. Charli xcx’s appearance feels like a marketing gimmick, as she has very little to do. Similarly, Felicity Jones, Richard E. Grant, and Safia Oakley-Green are reduced to little more than cameos. While it's impressive for a director to attract such names for their second film, their brief appearances are more distracting than impactful.
Stunning Visuals in a Fantastical World
One of the film's more curious aspects is the disconnect between its period setting and the modern sensibilities of its actors. This contrast creates a slightly jarring effect that is hard to ignore. While this choice highlights the story's themes of female literacy and empowerment, the fantasy setting mutes some of the impact it might have had in a more grounded historical drama.
Where the film truly excels is in its craftsmanship. The visuals are breathtaking, with costumes that are a riot of color and texture, so detailed you can almost feel them through the screen. The intricate makeup and hairstyling further immerse the audience in this unique world. Cinematographer Xenia Patricia’s hazy, dreamlike camera work, paired with brilliant production design, gives the film a distinct artistic flair. This visual style elevates 100 Nights of Hero far above the flat, uninspired look of many contemporary period pieces, making it a genuinely cinematic experience.
The movie is worth seeing for its artistry and bold adaptive choices alone. Its sleepy, fairytale atmosphere is a refreshing change of pace, and the central relationship is compelling enough to carry the story. Jackson brought together a remarkable team to bring her vision to life, but something holds the film back from reaching its full potential. It successfully creates a mood, but sometimes a great vibe isn't quite enough.