Charli XCX Makes Feature Debut as Venice Critics’ Week Closer 100 Nights of Hero Sets Release

Julia Jackman says she offered Charli XCX her first film part in 100 Nights of Hero before the singer’s move into acting became public knowledge, describing a low-budget production that nonetheless drew a starry ensemble. The feature adapts Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel and arrives on the Lido as the Critics’ Week closing film.

Set in the imaginary world of Darkly End, the story follows Cherry, left by her husband under the eye of his charming guest Manfred, while Cherry’s maid, Hero, grows suspicious—and protective—of her mistress. Jackman’s film screens for press and public September 4–6 as the sidebar’s special closing event.

The cast includes Emma Corrin as Hero, Maika Monroe as Cherry and Nicholas Galitzine as Manfred, with Richard E. Grant, Felicity Jones, Amir El-Masry and Charli XCX in supporting roles. Corrin called the project “the reason I love my job,” praising Jackman for bringing the book to screen “with so much feeling, heart, and vision.” Monroe said filming in a castle “added a sense of magic,” while Galitzine described Manfred as “exceptionally charming and Machiavellian.”

Beyond Venice, the film’s rollout has sharpened: the BFI confirmed it will close the 69th London Film Festival on October 19 at Royal Festival Hall, and U.S. theatrical release is set for December 5 via Independent Film Company.

Jackman’s remark about offering Charli XCX a first screen turn lands as the musician’s on-screen slate expands, with multiple features in the pipeline; still, the filmmaker says her approach to casting the pop star predated public chatter about that pivot.

The production credits include cinematography by Xenia Patricia, editing by Amélie Labrèche and Oona Flaherty, score by Oliver Coates, and production design by Sofia Sacomani—choices that align with the film’s “feminist fairytale” positioning detailed by Critics’ Week.