What the Day Owes the Night is a French drama film released in 2012 and directed by Alexandre Arcady. It is based on a novel by Yasmina Khadra, who is known for her literary works set in Algeria. The film is set in the 1930s, a time when Algeria was a French colony, and tells the story of a young boy named Younes.
Younes is sent to live with his uncle in Oran, a coastal city in Northwestern Algeria, after his mother dies. His uncle, who is a wealthy pharmacist, renames him Jonas and enrolls him in a French school. Jonas soon becomes friends with a group of Arab boys who call themselves the Rio Salado gang. The boys spend their time swimming in the river, jumping from the bridge, and stealing fruit from local farms. Jonas becomes close to one of the gang members, Emilie, who is the object of affection for all the boys.
The film follows Jonas and Emilie's love story as they grow up together and navigate the complexities of their relationship against the backdrop of the Algerian struggle for independence. Jonas becomes more politically aware and starts to question the French occupation of Algeria, while Emilie remains loyal to her French roots. Their love story is ultimately torn apart by the conflict between the two sides.
The film is a poignant and beautifully shot portrayal of a tumultuous time in Algerian history. It explores themes of colonialism, identity, and love with sensitivity and depth. The performances by the cast, including actors such as Nicolas Duvauchelle and Anne Parillaud, are outstanding and add to the emotional impact of the film. Overall, What the Day Owes the Night is a must-watch for anyone interested in Algerian history or powerful love stories set against complex political backdrops.