100 Nights is a flimsy whimsy
Arabian Nights meets queer feminist fantasy in Julia Jackman’s magical romance 100 Nights of Hero, based on a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg. The film is drenched in colorful costumes and whimsical folklore in order to engage audiences with a Middle Eastern-inspired medieval tale. The film’s stylings are unique and thorough, but the script leaves us yearning for deeper thematic resonance. Jackman’s confident direction, even as the film struggles to commit to a tone, preserves 100 Nights of Hero’s sincere portrayal of queer feminism and the precious art of storytelling.
Utilizing modern humor within a medieval setting, expressed through character mannerisms and contemporary editing techniques, 100 Nights of Hero feels otherworldly and timeless, yet antiquated. A whimsical introduction to a fictitious religion and a feast of inventive costumes invites us into the film’s fantastical world, and the charm of the three co-leads keeps us invested through most of the narrative. In a large castle estate, Cherry (Maika Monroe, It Follows) is a forlorn wife whose fertility is being tested by her dismissive husband, Jerome, who makes a wager with his playboy friend, Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine, The Idea of You): if Manfred can seduce Cherry within 100 nights, he can have Jerome’s castle and Cherry. Cherry’s loyal maid, Hero (Emma Corrin, Deadpool & Wolverine), senses Manfred’s intentions and helps Cherry to keep his advances at bay through spellbinding stories. Hero, unbeknownst to everyone around her, is a member of a secret society of storytellers. Over the course of the 100 nights, Cherry and Hero’s feelings for each other deepen, and they must fight to keep their romance and Hero’s literacy hidden.
Galitzine and Monroe’s characters are glaringly one-note, though the latter’s role of a neglected, quietly submissive wife does lend itself to a few humorous moments when reacting to the brash Manfred. Corrin portrays the only character containing multitudes, with moments of jealousy, desire, fear, and bravery. 100 Nights of Hero culminates in abrupt dramatic fashion, which would’ve been more impactful if the buildup didn’t lack emotional gravitas. Doubling-down on the drama or the quirky humor, or both, would’ve aided the film’s ultimate message – empowering female autonomy and queer romance. A very worthwhile message. Unfortunately, Jackson’s strong eye for visual splendor leaves the story running dry after Hero’s first few nights.
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100 Nights of Hero opens in theaters on Friday, December 5th.
