100 NIGHTS OF HERO
Filmmaker Julia Jackson delivers one of the year’s best with her luscious tale of female power in 100 NIGHTS OF HERO. A wager between two scheming friends becomes a wicked love triangle. Cherry is a lonely wife whose husband has yet to bed her. Her husband intentionally abandons her with his tawdry friend, and the ruse is afoot. Cherry feels lost and overwhelmed. Her wise maid, Hero, steps in with storytelling to save her mistress from straying.
Religious and political parallels are undeniable magic. The dialogue is a modern version of a bawdy Shakespeare comedy, cleverly tongue-in-cheek and playing right into toxic masculinity. Even our three main characters’ names are pure, double-entendre delight. 100 NIGHTS OF HERO weaves fable, witchcraft, and feminism seamlessly.
Xenia Patricia‘s cinematography is exceptional. Gorgeously framed tableaus pull you into this world. Sofia Sacomani‘s sumptuous, eye-catching production design features jewel-toned walls and exquisite (and intentionally cartoonish and morbid) stained glass. Susie Coulthard‘s costuming mesmerizes with an almost sci-fi twist on medieval garb. Every visual aspect is delicious.
This cast is extraordinary. Felicity Jones plays both Narrator and Moon, her voice the consummate guide. Charli xcx is unrecognizable as the elegant and vital Rosa. Nicholas Galitzine is philanderer Manfred. His audacity perfectly walks the line between funny and obnoxious. Each oversexualized beat is chef’s kiss.
Maika Monroe is a genre icon. The role of Cherry finds Monroe as a naive, virginal wife attempting to ward off her new guest’s forward wooing. This sexual awakening suits her chameleon talents beautifully. Emma Corrin plays the titular Hero. Her take-no-shit persona is a hilarious set against the shenanigans. Corrin captivates with her quick wit, oftentimes with little more than a glance.
100 NIGHTS OF HERO is the epitome of indie storytelling. It makes a statement about the patriarchal fear of a woman’s power. You will lose yourself in this film.
Ps Stay through the credits for one final treat.
100 NIGHTS OF HERO Trailer:
100 NIGHTS OF HERO – In Theaters THIS FRIDAY
Written and Directed by Julia Jackman
Based on Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel The One Hundred Nights of Hero
The New York Times Bestseller Is Available Now Wherever Books Are Sold
Starring
Emma Corrin (NOSFERATU, “The Crown”)
Nicholas Galitzine (RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, THE IDEA OF YOU)
Maika Monroe (LONGLEGS, IT FOLLOWS)
Amir El-Masry (LIMBO)
Charli xcx (THE MOMENT, ERUPCJA)
Richard E. Grant (CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, SALTBURN)
Felicity Jones (THE BRUTALIST, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING)
THE CRITIC
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