Film Review – 100 Nights of Hero (2025)

      100 Nights of Hero, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Julia Jackman.

      Featuring Emma Corrin, Nicholas Galitzine, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, Felicity Jones, Safia Oakley-Green, Josh Cowdery, Markella Kavenagh, Clare Perkins, Christopher Fairbank, Bijan Daneshmand, Michael Keogh, Jordan Coulson, Olivia D’Lima, Kerena Jagpal, Jeff Mirza, Tom Stourton, Varada Sethu, Felix Uff, Bella Law, Zaris-Angel Hator, and Zara Hadeshian-Banks.

      SYNOPSIS:

      When an enchanting house guest (Galitzine) makes his appearance at a secluded castle, the fragile relationship between a neglectful husband, his naive bride Cherry (Monroe), and their loyal maid Hero (Corrin) is disrupted.

      Set in a fantastical world reminiscent of the Victorian romantic era, Julia Jackman’s 100 Nights of Hero (adapted from Isabel Greenberg's book) presents an almost irresistible premise that aims to critique the gender, sexual, and relational dynamics of its era. However, the film fails to deliver on this promise and instead seems to lose interest, as it diverts into flashbacks featuring other characters. Soon, the initial intriguing setup feels diluted, with its sharper edges smoothed over in favor of familiar, glossy, and superficially explored themes.

      In flipping the cliché of two men competing for a woman, Jerome (Amir El-Masry) aims to please the ruler Birdman (Richard E. Grant) and his misogynistic views by producing a male heir with his wife Cherry (Maika Monroe), yet he has not yet consummated their marriage. He pretends ignorance regarding her inability to conceive, all while harboring a secret: he is gay and prefers spending time hunting with friends.

      The twist comes when Jerome makes a cruel wager with nobleman Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) — if Manfred cannot seduce Cherry, he must help Jerome fabricate the existence of an heir and convince society of its authenticity. If Manfred succeeds, Jerome will bequeath him the entire castle. Jerome will be away for 100 nights, giving Manfred ample time to achieve this. Complicating matters, Cherry, who has yet to explore her sexual identity, seems to have a mutual attraction to her maid Hero (Emma Corrin).

      Given Manfred’s overconfidence and misguided belief that casual flirtation will win Cherry over, humor quickly arises. He even dozes off while Hero recounts the tale of three sisters accused of witchcraft, all the while concealing her own secret attraction to Cherry.

      However, Jackman (and possibly the source material) struggles to handle the inherent soap opera drama, devoting excessive time to interrupt this narrative for the sisters’ story. The main draw of this subplot is Rosa, played by pop star Charli XCX, who disappointingly has little to do. Her presence feels more like a teaser for her future in acting than a substantial role. The flashback narrative lacks depth as well, consisting of about 25 minutes in a film that only runs around 85 minutes, not including credits.

      Additionally, the film hints at world-building elements—introducing the creator of the realm, three moons, and the oppressive order of the birdmen—but these ideas seem more like obligatory mentions rather than genuine interests of Jackman. For such a captivating premise, 100 Nights of Hero seems to undermine itself in numerous ways.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder