---
title: "What the Day Owes the Night"
year: 2012
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/what-the-day-owes-the-night-2012"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 119193
imdb_id: "tt1934205"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 162
community_rating: 7.6
vote_count: 254
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# What the Day Owes the Night (2012) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/what-the-day-owes-the-night-2012

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

What the Day Owes the Night is a 2012 French romantic drama directed by Alexandre Arcady. Adapted from the novel by Yasmina Khadra, the story follows Younes, a boy who relocates to Oran, Algeria, in the 1930s and is renamed Jonas, eventually finding himself caught between his friendships and a profound love for a woman named Emilie.

The film is significant for its portrayal of personal relationships set against the backdrop of the conflicts troubling Algeria during that era. It maintains a dramatic tone and a steady, immersive pace that spans the protagonist's development from childhood into adulthood.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A young man's life in 1930s Algeria is defined by a deep love amidst growing national conflict."

### Why Watch
- Based on the novel by Yasmina Khadra
- Explores the intersection of personal romance and national history
- Features a sprawling narrative set in 1930s Algeria

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film has a long runtime of two hours and forty-two minutes.
- Tone & Suitability: This is a dramatic romantic film with a deliberate, expansive pace suitable for viewers who appreciate long-form storytelling.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #historical-drama, #coming-of-age, #period-romance, #algerian-setting, #literary-adaptation

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Alexandre Arcady
- **Networks / Studios**: Wild Bunch

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Nora Arnezeder** as *Émilie*
- **Fu'ad Aït Aattou** as *Younès / Jonas*
- **Anne Parillaud** as *Madame Cazenave*
- **Vincent Perez** as *Juan Rucillio*
- **Anne Consigny** as *Madeleine*
- **Mohamed Fellag** as *Mohamed*
- **Nicolas Giraud** as *Fabrice*
- **Olivier Barthélémy** as *Jean-Cristophe*
- **Marine Vacth** as *Isabelle*
- **Matthias Van Khache** as *Simon/Michel adulte*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this film based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on the novel of the same name by author Yasmina Khadra.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The film has a runtime of two hours and forty-two minutes.

### Q: Who directed the film?
The film was directed and produced by Alexandre Arcady, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

### Q: Where is the story set?
The story is set in Algeria during the 1930s, specifically featuring the city of Oran.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [What the Day Owes the Night — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/119193)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*