Overview
- Julia Jackman’s film, adapted from Isabel Greenberg’s 2016 graphic novel, began its limited U.S. theatrical rollout on Dec. 5 following a Venice premiere.
- Critics commend the opulent production and costume design and single out compelling performances from Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe and Nicholas Galitzine.
- Multiple reviews say the screenplay mutes the comic’s darker, more confrontational elements, softening the antagonist and reworking Cherry’s agency.
- The narrative frames storytelling as feminist resistance through Hero’s nightly tales and a secret network of women storytellers, though reviewers call the execution blunt.
- Some coverage notes the film reimagines Cherry and Hero’s relationship as a slow-burn romance and argues the 90-minute runtime limits emotional depth and momentum.