Director: Julia Jackman

Stars: Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Nicholas Galitzine, Charli xcx, Richard E. Grant

Adapted from Isabel Greenberg’s feminist fairy tale graphic novel, British director Julia Jackman’s picture brings the whimsy if not much substance. In a kingdom where the populace worship a God called Birdman (played by Grant in framing intro), Cherry (Monroe) is a beautiful young woman, married off to Prince Jerome (El-Masry) presumably to provide him with a child. Jerome has been sanctioned by village elders for failing to impregnate his wife. While he is boastful to his friends Jerome seems uninterested in consummating their marriage. He makes a wager with his priapic friend Manfred (Galiztine): if Manfred can prove Cherry’s fidelity he will give him his castle. Cherry is taken with Manfred, but watching over events is her servant and confidante Hero (Corrin) who clearly loves her mistress and who tells her stories to distract her from Manfred. One of the tales, brought to life and featuring Charli xcx, concerns three beautiful sisters who collect stories.

For a film that champions the potency and need for storytelling, the picture feels like a narrative chore. Some of the cast struggle with the material, turning in mannered performances with only Corrin really locating the correct wryly comic register. Still, Susie Coulthard’s costumes are impressive - the ladies’ fanciful, the men’s absurd – and there are some droll sight gags a la Lester/Greenaway.

David Willoughby

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