100 Nights of Hero: Your Guide to the Sensual Feminist Fairytale

Get ready to be swept away! Julia Jackman's "100 Nights Of Hero," a gorgeous and witty queer feminist fairytale, is hitting theaters very soon, and it's already got everyone talking.

TL;DR: The Essentials of "100 Nights of Hero"

"100 Nights of Hero" is a modern, queer feminist take on the classic "One Thousand and One Nights" tale, adapted from Isabel Greenberg's graphic novel.
It stars Emma Corrin as Hero, Maika Monroe as Cherry, and Nicholas Galitzine as Manfred, featuring a stellar ensemble including Charli XCX (who also did original music), Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones.
The film, praised for its originality, stunning visuals, and powerful themes of storytelling and resistance, received rave reviews after its premiere at the Venice and London Film Festivals, opening in US theaters on December 5.

A Timeless Tale Gets a Daring Modern Makeover

Remember the classic "One Thousand and One Nights," where Scheherazade tells a new story every night to save her life? Well, "100 Nights of Hero" takes that foundational idea and blasts it into the present with a vibrant, feminist, and queer-inclusive twist. Director Julia Jackman has crafted something truly special, bringing Isabel Greenberg’s 2016 graphic novel to life with a fresh perspective that's earning serious buzz.

At its heart, this film is about the power of stories – not just to entertain, but to protect, to inspire, and to resist. It’s a bold reimagining that challenges old narratives and celebrates new forms of love and courage. If you're looking for a movie that’s visually stunning, thoughtfully provocative, and utterly engaging, this one needs to be on your radar.

The Bet, The Bride, and Her Brilliant Protector

"100 Nights of Hero" is Your Must-See Feminist Fantasy! image 3

The story kicks off with Cherry (Maika Monroe), a noblewoman whose neglectful husband, Jerome (Amir El-Masry), decides to make a truly wild wager. He bets his friend, the dangerously charming Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine), that Manfred can't seduce Cherry in 100 nights. And then? Jerome just leaves, setting the stage for a dramatic test of fidelity. Talk about a questionable marital strategy!

But Cherry isn't alone. She has her quick-witted maid, Hero (Emma Corrin), by her side. Hero, who has a not-so-secret love for Cherry, comes up with a brilliant plan to fend off Manfred's advances: she’ll tell Cherry a new, mesmerizing story every night for 100 nights. These tales are designed to empower Cherry, giving her the strength and inspiration to resist Manfred and defy the patriarchal expectations placed upon her. It sounds like Cherry finds herself caught in a fascinating, unlikely love triangle that promises a lot of emotional depth and intrigue!

An Ensemble Cast That Shines Brighter Than Any Crown

"100 Nights of Hero" is Your Must-See Feminist Fantasy! image 4

The cast of "100 Nights of Hero" is truly something to rave about, bringing depth and sparkle to every scene. You've got Emma Corrin, who was incredible in "The Crown" and is currently dazzling in "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "Nosferatu," leading the charge as the titular storyteller, Hero. Then there’s Maika Monroe, known for her roles in "It Follows" and "Longlegs," as the poised yet vulnerable Cherry. Their chemistry is a definite highlight, showcasing a budding connection that's both tender and defiant.

Nicholas Galitzine, soon to be seen as He-Man, plays the seductive Manfred with a charismatic swagger that’s both alluring and utterly infuriating. And the supporting cast? Absolutely stacked! Pop superstar Charli XCX makes a hype-worthy appearance as Rosa, a character within Hero's fantastical tales, and even contributed original music to the film. Richard E. Grant, always a delight, plays the "Birdman," a patriarchal figure, while Felicity Jones (from "The Theory of Everything") serves as the captivating "Moon/the Narrator" and pops up in some truly spectacular costumes within the stories. Amir El-Masry, Safia Oakley-Green, Kerena Jagpal, and Olivia D'Lima also round out this formidable ensemble, making every moment count.

A Kaleidoscope of Visuals and Revolutionary Ideas

"100 Nights of Hero" is Your Must-See Feminist Fantasy! image 5

If the trailers are any indication, "100 Nights of Hero" is a feast for the eyes. Critics have been gushing about its "hyper-coloured" and "visually magnificent" aesthetic. Imagine meticulous production design, lavish costumes by Susie Coulthard, and surreal starburst lenses by cinematographer Xenia Patricia – it all comes together to create a whimsical, quasi-medieval world that feels both ancient and refreshingly modern. Think vibrant magenta lighting, majestic stained-glass windows, and even gleaming bird-shaped suits of armor – it's all part of the film's unique charm and satirical commentary.

Beyond the stunning visuals, the film is a powerful "anti-misogynist manifesto" wrapped in a "queer feminist fairytale." It bravely tackles themes of institutional power over women, suppressed queer identity and desire, and the absurdity of outdated patriarchal attitudes. As one review put it, "It reveals in its singularity and empathy, in the radical power of storytelling: to distract tyrants, to empower the silenced, to imagine new futures." This isn't just a pretty picture; it's a story with heart, spirit, and a vital message for our times.

“What makes the work remarkable is its sincerity. In a cinematic landscape increasingly dominated by algorithm-driven sameness, this film stands out for its defiant originality. It revels in its singularity and empathy, in the radical power of storytelling: to distract tyrants, to empower the silenced, to imagine new futures. The act of telling a story becomes, in itself, an act of survival and resistance. That message... resonates far beyond the screen. By the end, one feels not just entertained, but invigorated. Jackman’s film is a joyous testament to independence, creativity, and the enduring necessity of stories. It proves that happy endings need not conform to centuries-old formulas, and that love, be it romantic, platonic, queer, or fleeting, can be as complex and wondrous as any of the tales we tell.”

— Leila Latif, IndieWire Review

From Graphic Novel to Critical Acclaim

"100 Nights of Hero" is Your Must-See Feminist Fantasy! image 6

The journey of "100 Nights of Hero" from Isabel Greenberg's acclaimed graphic novel to the big screen has been a triumph. It premiered at the prestigious 2025 Venice International Film Festival, where it was met with overwhelming praise for its "sharp pop sensibilities" and Julia Jackman's knack for updating classic tales for contemporary audiences. It also served as the Closing Night film for the BFI London Film Festival, cementing its status as a festival darling.

Currently, the film boasts a perfect Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 19 reviews, which is incredibly rare and speaks volumes about its quality and impact. Critics are calling it "a film of rare joy and spirit" and "a manifesto that will inspire a myriad of future stories." So, if you're looking for something fresh, original, and critically celebrated, you've found it!

Where and When You Can Experience This Fantastical Journey

"100 Nights of Hero" is Your Must-See Feminist Fantasy! image 7

"100 Nights of Hero" is an Independent Film Company release, distributed by IFC Films, and it's making its way to a theater near you very soon. Mark your calendars!

US Theatrical Release Date: Friday, December 5th
UK/Ireland Theatrical Release Date: Early 2026

This looks like the perfect movie to escape into this holiday season – a visually lush, emotionally rich, and intellectually stimulating film that's designed to entertain and inspire. Don't miss out on what's sure to be one of the year's most talked-about movies!

Frequently Asked Questions About "100 Nights of Hero"

"100 Nights of Hero" is Your Must-See Feminist Fantasy! image 8

When does "100 Nights of Hero" come out in theaters? "100 Nights of Hero" is set to release in US theaters on Friday, December 5th. A UK/Ireland release is planned for early 2026. What is "100 Nights of Hero" based on? The film is based on Isabel Greenberg’s 2016 graphic novel, "The One Hundred Nights of Hero," which itself draws inspiration from the classic collection of Middle Eastern folktales, "One Thousand and One Nights." Who are the main stars in "100 Nights of Hero"? The movie stars Emma Corrin as Hero, Maika Monroe as Cherry, and Nicholas Galitzine as Manfred. The ensemble cast also includes Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, Felicity Jones, and Amir El-Masry. Is "100 Nights of Hero" a romantic comedy? While it has elements of romance and wit, "100 Nights of Hero" is described as a romance fantasy drama and a queer feminist fairytale. It blends genres with a unique tone, offering both emotional depth and satirical commentary.