7.4
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The Long Night
2009·Movie
·1h 34min·
The Long Night fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace4
- Violence4
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, politics, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Long Night is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, politics, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, politics, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and dialogue stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The Long Night (Al Layl Al Taweel) is amongst the boldest and most unique feature length dramas in the conditional oeuvre of Syrian cinema. Four prisoners are about to be released after serving 20 years as political detainees. About to return to society, they grapple with complications that have developed in their absence: new towns, new ideologies but most of all, new family dynamics. Questions arise as to what extent their political dissidence was worth their separations from families and the losses their loved ones have endured. While some stand fast to their choices, others look to turn a new page... Made in 2009, the film is yet to be released in Syria, despite being a production ostensibly supported by the regime. The film, while reflecting a short era of reconciliation and reduced censorship attempted by Bashar Al Assad, remains highly relevant today for its treatments of forced loyalty signatures, arbitrary judgements, and systematic torture.
Syrian CinemaPolitical DetaineesPost-Imprisonment TraumaFamily DisconnectionSocial CommentaryPsychological DramaSlow-Burn NarrativeMelancholic Tone
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Long Night
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Long Night worth watching?
59
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59/100 (IMDb 7.4 and Metacritic 44). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Long Night rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Long Night?
1 h 34 min
The Long Night runs 1 h 34 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Long Night?
Critics44
Audiences74
Not quite. Audiences rate The Long Night higher (74) than critics (44). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is The Long Night in?
Arabic
It was made in Arabic.