Eat the night (2024) by Caroline Poggi, Jonathan Vinel

About movie : “Eat the Night” is a 2024 French thriller drama that explores the lives of siblings Apolline and Pablo, who share a bond through the online game Darknoon. As the game’s shutdown looms, Pablo becomes involved in drug dealing and falls for a man named Night, leading to dangerous conflicts with a rival gang. Meanwhile, Apolline seeks deeper connections within the virtual world. The film is primarily produced by Atelier de Production.

Plot summary: Young drug dealer Pablo and his sister Apolline share a strong connection through their favorite online game, Darknoon. When Pablo meets Night and begins a romance, he neglects his sister and their shared virtual world. While Apolline dedicates herself to finishing the game before its servers close, Pablo and Night become entangled in a perilous conflict with a rival drug gang. The film intertwines these two narratives, highlighting themes of loneliness, connection, and the blurring lines between the virtual and real worlds.

Director’s Vision: Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel, known for their work exploring the impact of technology, envision “Eat the Night” as a parable of modern yearning. They aim to integrate technology and different storytelling methods to deepen the film’s themes of loneliness and connection in a world increasingly shaped by the internet. Their approach involves blurring the lines between the characters’ real lives and their experiences within the Darknoon game, using both traditional filmmaking and motion capture aesthetics.

Themes: (Previous themes remain accurate)

• Loneliness and Connection in the Digital Age: The film explores how technology, particularly online gaming, can both connect and isolate individuals, examining the search for meaningful relationships in virtual and real spaces.

• The Blurring of Virtual and Real Worlds: The narrative intertwines the characters’ experiences in the real world with their interactions within the Darknoon game, questioning the boundaries between these realities.

• Sibling Bonds: The film examines the complex relationship between Apolline and Pablo, highlighting their initial closeness through the game and the impact of Pablo’s new relationship on their bond.

• Queer Romance and Identity: Pablo’s relationship with Night is a central storyline, exploring themes of love, intimacy, and identity within a dangerous context.

• The Impact of Loss and Change: The impending shutdown of Darknoon serves as a catalyst for change in the characters’ lives, forcing them to confront loss and seek new forms of connection.

• Criminal Underworld and its Consequences: Pablo’s involvement in drug dealing introduces elements of danger and violence, highlighting the real-world consequences of his choices.

Key success factors: (Previous key success factors remain relevant)

• Integration of Technology and Storytelling: The film effectively blends traditional filmmaking with the visual language of online gaming and motion capture, creating a unique cinematic experience.

• Strong Performances: The lead actors deliver compelling performances that ground the film’s emotional core.

• Unique Narrative Structure: The intertwining of the virtual and real-world storylines creates a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative.

• Exploration of Contemporary Themes: The film’s focus on loneliness, connection, and identity in the digital age makes it highly relevant to contemporary audiences.

• Critical Recognition: The film has garnered nominations and wins at various film festivals, indicating positive reception from critics.

Summary short: “Eat the Night” is a French thriller drama directed by Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel about a brother and sister who bond over an online game, whose lives diverge as the game’s end approaches, leading to romance and danger in the real world.

Awards and nominations (summary in words): “Eat the Night” has received 2 wins and 6 nominations, including Best Director and Prix de la Critique at the 2024 Champs-Élysées Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Golden Athena at the 2024 Athens International Film Festival, the SACD Prize and Queer Palm at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the Prix du jury at the 2024 Champs-Élysées Film Festival, the New Alchemist Award at the 2024 Festival du nouveau cinéma, and the Golden Puffin at the 2024 Reykjavik International Film Festival.

Critics reception: (Previous critics reception remains accurate based on general searches)

• Moviejawn: Gave a positive review, calling it a “thrilling parable of the modern yearning” that effectively integrates technology and different storytelling methods.

• In Review Online: Described the film as “forwardly regressive” in its use of conventional formal tools but noted its dedication to earnestness and the unique way it merges the uncanny and the sentimental.

• MUBI Notebook: Highlighted the film’s intertwining narratives.

Summary: Initial critical reception suggests that “Eat the Night” is a unique and thought-provoking film that effectively blends genres and explores contemporary themes.

• MUBI: Users on MUBI have given the film an average rating of 7.3 out of 10.

• General audience reviews online often praise the film’s originality and exploration of the virtual and real.

Box office: “Eat the Night” has a worldwide lifetime gross of $115,113, with the same amount being the lifetime gross in France as of March 18, 2025.

Production (summary, add sentence): “Eat the Night” is a French production primarily by Atelier de Production, with significant involvement from Agat Films & Cie and support from numerous other French entities including Arte France Cinéma, Canal+, Ciné+, ARTE, Pictanovo, Région Hauts-de-France, Région Normandie, Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), Cinémage 17, Arte Cofinova 19, Indéfilms 11, and La Banque Postale Image 16. This indicates a strong level of support from the French film industry.

Production companies (name, country):

• Atelier de Production (France)

• Agat Films & Cie (France)

• Arte France Cinéma (France) – Co-production

• Canal+ (France) – Participation

• Ciné+ (France) – Support

• ARTE (France) – Participation

• Pictanovo (France) – Support

• Région Hauts-de-France (France) – Support

• Région Normandie (France) – Support

• Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) (France) – Support

• Cinémage 17 (France) – In association with

• Arte Cofinova 19 (France) – In association with

• Indéfilms 11 (France) – In association with

• La Banque Postale Image 16 (France) – In association with

Distribution companies (name, country, sentence):

• Tandem (France)

• Altered Innocence (USA)

• Ritual (Canada)

Why to recommend this movie: 

• Unique and Original Storytelling: The film offers a fresh and innovative approach to exploring contemporary themes.

• Thought-Provoking Exploration of Technology and Connection: It delves into the complexities of human relationships in the digital age.

• Strong Performances from a Talented Cast: The actors effectively bring the nuanced characters to life.

• Visually Engaging and Atmospheric: The film blends the aesthetics of the real world with the visual language of online gaming.

• Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition: The awards and nominations highlight the film’s artistic merit.

Why to Watch Movie: (Previous reasons to watch remain relevant)

• If You’re Interested in Films That Push Boundaries: “Eat the Night” experiments with narrative and form.

• For Those Who Enjoy Stories About the Intersection of Technology and Human Relationships: The film offers a compelling exploration of this theme.

• If You Appreciate Independent and International Cinema: This French film has garnered attention on the festival circuit.

• For a Unique Blend of Thriller, Drama, and LGBTQ+ Themes: The film offers a multifaceted viewing experience.

• If You’re Looking for a Film That Will Stay With You: The themes of loneliness and connection are likely to resonate with viewers.

What Movie Trend film is following (name of the trend, summary): (Previous movie trend remains accurate)

Films Exploring the Blurring Lines Between Reality and Virtual Worlds. “Eat the Night” aligns with a growing trend in cinema that examines the increasing integration of technology into our lives and the impact of virtual spaces on our identities and relationships.

What Big Social Trend is following (name of the trend, summary): 

The Impact of Online Gaming and Digital Communities on Social Connection and Identity. The film taps into the significant social trend of understanding how online gaming and digital communities shape social interactions, personal identities, and the search for belonging in the modern world.

Final Verdict: “Eat the Night” is a compelling and innovative French film that offers a unique perspective on contemporary life. With its blending of genres, exploration of timely themes, and strong performances, Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel have created a thought-provoking and visually engaging cinematic experience that has garnered recognition at film festivals and is likely to resonate with audiences interested in the intersection of technology and human connection.

Recommendations for filmmakers: 

• Experiment with Blending Different Forms of Media and Storytelling.

• Explore Contemporary Social Trends in Meaningful Ways.

• Focus on Creating Strong Emotional Connections with Characters.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks with Narrative Structure and Visual Style.

• Consider the Power of Music and Sound Design.

Recommendations for movie industry: 

• Support Independent and Experimental Filmmaking.

• Recognize the Growing Importance of Digital Culture in Storytelling.

• Facilitate International Co-productions and Distribution for Diverse Voices.

• Continue to Support Film Festivals as Platforms for Innovation.

• Explore New Forms of Distribution and Engagement for Digitally Themed Content.