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.

Author: Olivia Parker