Review of '100 Nights of Hero': A Touching LGBTQ Tragicomedy of Etiquette

In Julia Jackmans 100 Nights of Hero, the traditional figure of divine authority takes a darkly satirical twist. Birdman, no longer just a courtroom figure and far from Michael Keaton, is depicted as a god who arbitrarily enforces a sexist and homophobic order, simply out of boredom. Jackmans story suggests that everything was fine until a powerful man decided women and queer people were undesirable, prioritizing his comfort over justice.

The film centers on Cherry (Maika Monroe), a young woman who married Jerome (Amir El-Masry) according to societal expectations. Yet, when she fails to conceive, the oppressive Birdman decrees that she will face execution. Ironically, the blame lies entirely with Jerome, who refuses to consummate the marriage. Enter Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine), a confident and daring visitor, who proposes a dangerous wager: Jerome will leave for one hundred nights while Manfred attempts to seduce Cherry. If he succeeds, he claims Jeromes estate; if he fails, Jeromes wife will still face deadly consequences.

Cherry finds her only ally in Hero (Emma Corrin), a devoted servant and confidant. Theyre best friends, as the movie emphasizes, with a bond that straddles the line between friendship and lovea love legally forbidden by Birdmans cruel rules. Hero harbors secret feelings for Cherry, and Cherry is unaware of both Heros affection and the possibility of women loving one another.

Manfred soon arrives, exuding danger and bravado, prompting Hero to devise a plan to protect Cherry. Each time Manfred grows bold, Hero diverts attention by narrating a story about Rosa (Charlie XCX), a woman who defied societal bans on education. The tale serves as a metaphor for resistance and empowerment, though the narrative is deliberately ornate, raising questions about how long it could span one hundred nights.

Jackmans world is meticulously structured, highlighting the absurdity of Birdmans tyranny. Dressing his followers in bird masks does not soften their cruelty but underscores the folly of those who enforce oppressive rules. The film, adapted from Isabel Greenbergs graphic novel, uses theatrical settings and stylized performances to enhance its fable-like quality. While some acting and design choices are stiff or arch, characters who live freely in thought and spirit radiate authenticity.

The films deliberate artifice can both illuminate and distract. Its exaggerated mannerisms evoke a modern Chaucerian tone, exploring forbidden love and social constraint with a whimsical yet critical lens. Some viewers may see this as kitsch or a playful nod to queer Wes Anderson aesthetics, yet at its core, the movie champions imagination as a tool for envisioning better lives, even if reality remains restrictive.

Overall, 100 Nights of Hero delivers a poignant message about the power of stories to inspire courage and hope, celebrating resilience and the pursuit of love in the face of arbitrary oppression.

Analysis: The Power of Stories in "100 Nights of Hero"

"100 Nights of Hero" is a film that stands out for its bold narrative choices and its darkly satirical take on authority and societal control. The story challenges viewers to reflect on the arbitrary nature of power, particularly through the character of Birdman, whose role as an enforcer of oppressive rules highlights the absurdity of such control. At its heart, the film is a commentary on the destructive nature of unchecked authority and its impact on marginalized individuals.

The dynamic between Cherry and Hero provides a central emotional thread. Their relationship, which oscillates between love and friendship, is framed within a society where love between women is forbidden. This relationship, layered with unspoken affection, becomes an act of defiance against Birdman's oppressive rule. The inclusion of a strong, supportive bond between the two women offers a refreshing and necessary critique of the constraints placed on gender and sexual identity.

The film's theatricality, with its stylized performances and visual artifice, both supports and undermines the narrative. While the exaggerated mannerisms and set designs evoke a whimsical, almost fantastical atmosphere, they also risk distancing the audience from the emotional core of the story. This choice, however, can be seen as a deliberate tool to provoke thought about the dissonance between reality and idealized representations of freedom and resistance.

Despite the potentially off-putting elements of its visual and narrative style, "100 Nights of Hero" succeeds in conveying its core message: the resilience of the human spirit in the face of arbitrary oppression. It calls attention to the ways in which stories, no matter how fantastical or embellished, can serve as powerful tools for resistance and hope. Ultimately, the film invites the viewer to imagine a world where love, freedom, and agency are not dictated by those in power, but are instead celebrated in all their forms.

Sources:

• ‘100 Nights of Hero’ Review: An Inspiring Queer Tragi-Comedy of Manners

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.