"invites audiences into a vibrant, fantastical universe where the fight for belief, equality and community truly matters"

Presented as the Closing Gala feature at the London Film Festival, 100 Nights of Hero invites audiences into a vibrant, fantastical universe where the fight for belief, equality and community truly matters.

Personally the film can be considered as inspired by One Thousand and One Nights. The movie reimagines a world ruled by faith in a Birdman God (Richard E. Grant), where women are expected to worship, obey and fulfill their duties as wives and mothers. 

Within this patriarchal society, Cherry (Maika Monroe), a young noblewoman, finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage and at the mercy of the men around her. But her loyal maid, Hero (Emma Corrin), has a gift — she is a storyteller whose words carry power. Through her tales, Hero becomes both Cherry’s protector and the voice of resistance in a world that seeks to silence her.

This fantasy drama is nothing short of captivating — witty, hopeful and visually enchanting. 

Director Julia Jackman, much like her protagonist, weaves stories with magic and purpose. Her vision transforms a fantastical premise into a sharp commentary on real-world issues: misogyny, patriarchal control and the violence justified under the guise of morality. Yet, amid these dark themes, the film radiates a powerful message of hope. It celebrates women’s resilience, the strength found in solidarity and the necessity of allyship in the fight for equality and respect.

Visually, the film is stunning. Its ethereal colour palette and intricate production design evoke a world that feels both ancient and sharply modern. The cinematography lingers on faces and textures, capturing the intimacy and danger of each moment. The score — a mix of haunting melodies and rhythmic storytelling beats — enhances the sense of myth and magic, grounding the film’s feminist message in an atmosphere that feels timeless.

The tone of 100 Nights of Hero is delicately balanced. Its pacing is deliberate, allowing each story to breathe and each emotional beat to resonate. Humour and heartbreak coexist, keeping the film engaging while ensuring its political and emotional weight never feels heavy-handed.

The ensemble cast shines throughout; Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, and Nicholas Galitzine deliver nuanced performances that balance vulnerability with sharp wit, creating a dynamic rhythm that keeps the story both grounded and unpredictable. Their chemistry, combined with the film’s lyrical dialogue, makes even the most fantastical scenes feel emotionally authentic.

Ultimately, 100 Nights of Hero is a modern fable — one where the damsel in distress discovers her own strength, supported by the courage of others. It reminds us why stories matter: they can protect, heal, and inspire change. This is a celebration of imagination as resistance and of storytelling as one of humanity’s most powerful acts of defiance.