What the Day Owes the Night (film)

What the Day Owes the Night is a 2012 French romantic drama film directed by Alexandre Arcady, based on the novel of the same name by Yasmina Khadra. The film explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of Franco-Algerian relations during the mid-20th century in Algeria.

The story follows Younes, a young Algerian boy living in a small village during the French colonial period. After his family suffers financial hardship due to drought and debt, Younes' father makes the difficult decision to entrust him to his pharmacist brother-in-law, a wealthy and assimilated Algerian living in Oran. Renamed Jonas, he is integrated into a French community and forges close friendships.

As Jonas grows up, he finds himself torn between his Algerian heritage and his adopted French identity. He falls in love with Emilie, a French girl, and their relationship becomes a central focus of the film, highlighting the social and political tensions of the time. The backdrop of the Algerian War of Independence significantly impacts their lives and tests the bonds of family and friendship.

The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its cinematography and performances, while others criticized its pacing and perceived romanticization of colonial Algeria. Despite the criticisms, What the Day Owes the Night offers a visual representation of a complex period in Franco-Algerian history and explores the struggles of individuals caught between two cultures. The film attempts to depict the personal impact of historical events, particularly the challenges faced by those navigating conflicting loyalties and identities.