'100 Nights of Hero' Review
- Tiffany McLaughlin
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Release Date: 12/05/25 [Cinemas]
Genre: Drama. Fantasy. Romance.
MPAA: Rated PG13.
Distributor: IFC Films.
The Verdict: A Must-See
Adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Isabel Greenberg (based on the folktale of One Thousand and One Nights), director Julia Jackson transfixes us with this cozy 91 minute dreamscape.
Hero (Emma Corrin) is the maid to Cherry (Maika Monroe), whose husband Jerome (Amir El-Masry) refuses to consummate their marriage. Jerome’s family assumes this is Cherry’s fault and gives her 100 nights to conceive an heir. Unbeknownst to Cherry, Jerome has struck a bet that if his friend Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) can successfully seduce Cherry in 100 nights, then Manfred can have their castle. When Jerome leaves for a “sudden” trip, Cherry doesn't think anything of it. But with Hero sensing a not so chill vibe from this random man suddenly in their space, they agree on a signal that will prompt Hero to start reciting a story at any point Manfred makes Cherry uncomfortable. Fully knowing the secret power her tale-telling abilities hold, Hero can’t ignore what else might be festering in the air beyond her control.
While the whole feature from start to end is both poetic and strikingly beautiful, my favorite part is how this iteration of such an old tale drives home the message of the strength that women’s stories hold long after they are gone. It reminds us of the responsibility we have today to ensure those stories carry on for generations through the power of girlhood and beyond.
This was truly such a treat for my soul as I began this new year in the depths of the winter scaries, trying to make sense of the world right now. Once I clocked the vibe, it very much reminded me of shows like Dickinson or The Great. A period piece so unapologetically unserious and radiant with humor; it makes for a solid win in my book.