The Grand Illusion

A playful and winking exploration of repression and freedom, director Julia Jackman’s visually sumptuous, queer, feminist fable, 100 NIGHTS OF HERO, is set in a mythical fantasy world where patriarchy is law and the people worship a Birdman god. Young bride Cherry (Maika Monroe) can’t understand why her husband hasn’t consummated their marriage, as the law stipulates a harsh penalty for wives who don’t produce children. When dashing young houseguest Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) arrives, and Cherry’s husband conveniently leaves on business, tensions grow as the newcomer attempts to seduce the childless newlywed, even as her maid Hero (Emma Corrin) runs interference with her storytelling.

Adapted from the graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg and featuring supporting performances from Charli xcx, Amir El-Masry, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones.

Critic’s Pick! “In a cinematic landscape increasingly dominated by algorithm-driven sameness, this film stands out for its defiant originality … [it’s] alive with stylistic playfulness.” Leila Latif, IndieWire

“100 Nights of Hero is a profound and folkloric tale that evangelizes the beauty and importance of female solidarity, creative power, and defiance against oppression. It is political though playful, satirical yet thought-provoking, and radically challenges modern societal norms, the foundations of largely male-written fables and fairy tales throughout history, and the ever-changing and growing role of women and queer voices in both art and humanity.” Anna Miller, Collider