100 Nights of Hero: Emma Corrin Shines in a Whimsical Retelling

Few tales have left as much of a mark on storytelling as One Thousand and One Nights. Over centuries, it’s been reimagined in countless ways, and now The One Hundred Nights of Hero takes that familiar backbone and gives it a new lease on life as a graphic novel. The latest adaptation, 100 Nights of Hero, directed by Julia Jackman, heads to cinemas with a cast that’s hard to ignore. While the film doesn’t quite hit every mark, it’s a showcase for up-and-coming talent and Jackman’s creative flair is clear throughout.

Plot and Characters: A Twisted Wager

Set in a mythical land ruled by a strict religious order, a young couple faces pressure to have a child. Jerome, played by Amir El-Masry, refuses to consummate his marriage with Cherry (Maika Monroe), and the pair are given a strict deadline by the authorities: they’ve got one hundred days to produce an heir. Jerome’s mate Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine), who’s landed himself in hot water for his womanising ways, comes to visit. After a few drinks, the blokes strike a risky bet—Jerome will leave for 100 nights, and if Manfred manages to seduce Cherry, he’ll win Jerome’s castle.

Cherry, left to deal with Manfred’s relentless charm, soon realises she’s in over her head. To help her resist temptation, she turns to her maid, Hero (Emma Corrin). Hero steps in, breaking up the tension with a tale about three women (Charli xcx, Olivia D’Lima, and Kerena Jagpal) who secretly learn to read, defying the law. As the lines between story and reality blur, Cherry’s bond with Hero deepens in unexpected ways.

Performances: Corrin and Monroe Take Centre Stage

Corrin and Monroe, both known for their work in darker genres, get a chance to stretch their legs here. Corrin, in particular, stands out, bringing a subtlety and depth to Hero that’s hard to miss. Their expressive eyes and understated gestures add layers to the character that aren’t spelled out in the script. Monroe, stepping away from her usual horror roles, takes a while to settle in but eventually finds strong chemistry with both Corrin and Galitzine, making the central romance feel genuine.

Galitzine, on the other hand, delivers a fairly standard turn. He’s got natural charm, but doesn’t really show off anything new. Compared to his roles in Bottoms and The Idea of You, this one feels a bit by-the-numbers. The rest of the cast, including Charli xcx, Felicity Jones, Richard E. Grant, and Safia Oakley-Green, don’t get much to do. Their appearances feel more like cameos than meaningful parts of the story, which can be a bit distracting.

Visuals and Style: Modern Vibes in a Fantasy World

One thing that stands out is how modern the actors feel, even though the setting is meant to be from another era. This contrast is striking, and while it helps highlight themes like women’s education, it doesn’t always mesh with the fantasy backdrop. The costumes, though, are a real treat—colourful, textured, and full of detail, they add a tactile quality to the film. The makeup, wigs, and hair design all help build a convincing world.

Xenia Patricia’s cinematography, paired with the castle’s production design, creates a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere. This gives the film a unique look that sets it apart from the more generic period dramas you often see on streaming platforms. The visuals alone make it worth a look for anyone keen on fantasy or striking design.

Craft and Adaptation: Worth a Watch?

For those interested in craft and adaptation, there’s plenty to appreciate. The film’s gentle, storybook feel is a rare find these days, and the fantasy elements are sure to please fans of the genre. The central relationship is satisfying, even if the broader themes don’t always land as strongly as they could.

Jackman’s team has clearly put in the hard yards to bring her vision to life. Still, whether it’s down to the source material or the ensemble, something about the fantasy doesn’t quite reach its full potential. The film nails the atmosphere, but sometimes you’re left wanting a bit more to tie it all together.