This Night

This Night (Nuit de chien) is a French drama released in 2009, directed by Werner Schroeter and featuring Pascal Greggory in the lead role. The film presents a stark and intense narrative set against a bleak, almost post-apocalyptic backdrop, blending elements of social commentary with a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. It follows the troubled protagonist as he navigates a mysterious nocturnal journey, confronting isolation, despair, and elusive redemption. The story's ambiance is thick with existential tension, exploring themes of alienation and human vulnerability. With poetic visuals and a haunting score, This Night challenges viewers with its slow pacing and abstract storytelling, inviting introspection rather than offering easy resolutions.

Critical reception for This Night has been mixed, reflecting the film's challenging nature and unconventional style. On IMDb, it holds a score of 5.6/10, indicating a divided audience reaction. Some critics have praised the film's artistic ambition and Pascal Greggory's compelling performance, highlighting the movie's atmospheric cinematography and its bold, experimental approach. For instance, cinephiles have admired its visual poetry and thematic depth, noting Schroeter's unique directorial signature that defies mainstream narrative conventions. However, many reviews comment on the film's slow pace and opaque storyline, which can alienate viewers looking for a more traditional plot structure. Some reviewers from European cinema circles appreciate the film as a meditative and visually rich experience, yet mainstream platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes have limited or no formal ratings due to its niche appeal. Overall, while This Night resonates with fans of arthouse cinema, it may challenge viewers accustomed to more straightforward storytelling, earning it a reputation as a polarizing but intriguing film.