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Passing under the radar of the general public, La nuit se traîne has nevertheless won over critics and festivals to the point that its director, Michiel Blanchart, is set to direct the next Destination finale. Let’s take a look back at this miraculous thriller, with a limited budget, ambitious goals, and a more than promising author.
From Raimi to Destination finale
Despite not drawing crowds, La nuit se traîne, released in 2024, has piqued enough curiosity for its director, Michiel Blanchart, to land the gig for the next Destination finale. Adorned with ten awards, a record at the René du cinéma, the Belgian equivalent of the Césars, which includes best first film, best film, best director, and best screenplay, La nuit se traîne is not the only success story for its author. In fact, this ambitious first feature film, shot on a modest budget of 4.5 million euros, proves to be a gripping thriller, displaying remarkable mastery of action movie codes. With hints of Die Hard and Gaspar Noé, the film tells the story of Mady, a locksmith caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, forced to settle a conflict with the local underworld in a single night or face dire consequences.
Brussels, capital of vice
In this race against time, Brussels transforms into an endless playground where Blanchart, with his camera, leads us through a chic building, a red-light district brothel, a construction site, a nightclub, Brussels-North station… Urban geography and social contrasts unfold to the beat of long takes and tracking shots, highlighting the main character’s desperate flight forward. Beyond its breakneck pace and action movie vibes, La nuit se traîne also delves into portraying unflattering realities.
Interpreted by Jonathan Feltre, Mady falls into a trap as he fears the police would be of no help due to increased police violence. Moreover, he soon realizes he is not the only pawn in the game, as his main opponent simply aims for a better future. Terrifying in his role as a drug lord, Romain Duris embodies power without mercy or morality. This performance harkens back to his early days when he excelled as a small-time crook in Jan Kounen’s Dobermann.
La nuit se traîne, eagerly awaited in Hollywood
Successful in both substance and style, La nuit se traîne is not without its flaws. The direction of actors lacks confidence, and the writing lacks maturity. However, its faults can be seen as a flip side to its qualities. Its freshness, inventiveness, risk-taking, and spontaneity are more worthy of praise. A small Belgian cinema miracle, it’s one of those films you stumble upon and come out captivated, wanting more. Blanchart’s announcement of directing the next Destination finale comes timely.
Bordering on horror, action, fantasy, and slasher genres, the Destination finale saga seems tailor-made for this promising director. However, this decision brings forth a bittersweet realization. While it’s exciting to see a young French speaker make it in Hollywood, it exposes the lack of space these authors have to express themselves in our regions. Nevertheless, let’s hope Blanchart succeeds in making a mark in the American system, following in the footsteps of Alexandre Aja. And let’s pray that US productions don’t crush him like Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury on Leatherface.
— Lilyy NELSON
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Original article published on leblogducinema.com on 2026-05-03 by Lilyy NELSON: https://www.leblogducinema.com/critique-film/la-nuit-se-traine-65538650/
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