From Harrowing Beginnings to Poignant Endings

Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Through the Night (Quitter la nuit)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Delphine Girard
Writer(s): Delphine Girard
Cast: Selma Alaoui, Veerle Baetens, Guillaume Duhesme, Anne Dorval, Adèle Wismes, Gringe, Florence Janas, Astrid Whettnall, Sabrina Lopez Leonard
Where To Watch: premiering September 5 at the 2023 Venice Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Delphine Girard takes us on an unforgettable cinematic adventure with THROUGH THE NIGHT. This isn't your typical Friday night flick; it's a full-on emotional ride through the corridors of fate, feeling, and the fabric of human connection. This film is the spiritual successor to Girard’s 2020 Academy Award-nominated short film SISTER, which I remember vividly as one of the most potent shorts I had seen in years of watching the nominated shorts. That, along with the addition of one of my favorite actors/directors, Veerle Baetens (WHEN IT MELTS, THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN) starring in the film, set expectations high and deservedly so!

When Anna (Veerle Baetens) answers Aly's (Selma Alaoui) distressed call, that moment sets the bar for the entire film. It's not just the dialogues or scripted sequences; the film explores humanity, choices, and the ripples they create. When Dary (Guillaume Duhesme) steps in, the film changes, and the narrative tides seem to all crash together in a powerful epicenter.

Girard dove deep, finding her source of inspiration from a YouTube video before crafting SISTERS. It was an emergency call that she stumbled upon, not just a sprinkle of drama; it became the pulsating heart of this narrative, challenging our concepts of trauma, justice, and raw courage.

Let's deconstruct our lead characters, shall we? Aly isn't your usual damsel in distress; she's a phoenix rising with wit and undeniable strength. On the flip side, Dary is something beyond just the shadow in the corner; he mirrors societal quandaries and the intricate dance of personal identity. And Anna? The conductor of this emotional symphony, Veerle Baetens, takes her character and embodies the importance of the key that connects the story.

THROUGH THE NIGHT tackles societal issues like consent and, in doing so, doesn't merely narrate or depict; it envelops its viewers in Aly's world, sharing raw feelings and emotions without sugar-coating. Girard's choice to sideline the explicit and spotlight emotional nuance makes silent battles thunderous.

This film isn't content with skimming the surface. It plunges deep, showcasing how trauma doesn't just touch a soul; it resonates, creating waves that connect families, communities, and sometimes, even the unsuspecting passerby. It’s more than a narrative; it’s an ecosystem. The film acts as a heartwarming tribute to the resilience and unity of women. When the world seems murky and traditional pathways lead to brick walls, united hearts carve out new paths.

Girard's genius in THROUGH THE NIGHT is undeniable as we wind up. She's a force to reckon with in the cinematic landscape, from harnessing a real-life event to crafting a tale that resonates with every heartbeat. What’s undeniable is that this is no fleeting memory. It's bound to echo, resonate, and inspire long after the end credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of VERSUS PRODUCTION, PLAYTIME, THE PR FACTORY]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong