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The Passengers of the Night (2023): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Passengers of the Night (2023) movie poster

The Passengers of the Night is a 2023 drama directed by Mikhaël Hers, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg as Elisabeth Davies, Noée Abita and Emmanuelle Béart. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes and earned $1.7 million worldwide on a $4.4 million budget. It was nominated for 2 Oscars. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
90%
worldwide gross
$1.7M
award nominations
2
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The Passengers of the Night (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 51m (111 min)
Director
Mikhaël Hers
Genre
Drama
Original language
French
Budget
$4.4M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Passengers of the Night About?

The premise of The Passengers of the Night without spoilers.

On the night of the 1981 French election, Elisabeth finds her life upended as her marriage falls apart, leaving her to care for her two teenagers. Seeking comfort, she connects with Talulah through a late-night radio program. This troubled young woman unexpectedly enters Elisabeth’s life, experiencing a sense of family for the first time. When Talulah disappears, her influence remains, encouraging Elisabeth and her children to embrace change and pursue new beginnings.

The Passengers of the Night Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • paris france
  • night
  • year 1984
  • riding a bicycle
  • classroom
  • history class
  • radio
  • job interview
  • cigarette smoking
  • swimming pool
  • binoculars
  • movie theater
+38 more
  • rooftop
  • falling into water
  • jumping into water
  • jumping into water with clothes on
  • sex scene
  • year 1988
  • dancing
  • cancer
  • breast cancer
  • vinyl record
  • year 1981
  • seeking a job
  • radio broadcast
  • nighttime broadcast
  • single mother
  • homeless girl
  • homeless teen
  • female radio host
  • talk radio host
  • 18 year old girl
  • breast removal
  • archive footage
  • reference to indiana jones
  • reference to eric rohmer
  • falling off a bridge
  • teenage sex
  • aspiring writer
  • public library
  • unrequited love
  • junkie
  • reference to joe dassin
  • nostalgia
  • vacating apartment
  • voice over diary
  • reference to pascale ogier
  • young woman
  • young man
  • drug addiction
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Cast & crew

The Passengers of the Night Cast & Characters

Charlotte Gainsbourg leads the cast as Elisabeth Davies, with Noée Abita as Talulah and Emmanuelle Béart as Vanda Dorval. Directed by Mikhaël Hers; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Passengers of the Night

· 8 more
From the director

More from Mikhaël Hers

More films directed by Mikhaël Hers: Amanda, This Summer Feeling, Memory Lane and Montparnasse.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Passengers of the Night Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Passengers of the Night 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (65).

73 /100

The Passengers of the Night Echo Score Breakdown

The Passengers of the Night presents a measured visual aesthetic and a warm soundtrack that anchor its overall appeal, while its narrative momentum remains understated. Critics note the film's elegant cinematography, period‑specific archival touches, and Gainsbourg’s nuanced performance, contributing to an intimate atmosphere. However, the story’s pacing and lack of a decisive payoff generate mixed reactions, limiting its lasting impact. In sum, the film offers modest strengths in craft and emotion but falls short of sustained narrative engagement.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates a restrained yet purposeful visual style, employing archival footage and a subdued color palette. Critics highlight the measured cinematography and contemplative editing that support its observational tone. Some reviewers note occasional uninspired direction and gauzy execution, tempering the overall polish. The craft thus feels competent and intentionally modest, contributing to the film’s aesthetic aim.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character and emotion, the ensemble delivers warmth, particularly through Gainsbourg’s nuanced portrayal and the chemistry of the younger leads. Performances are described as absorbing and emotionally resonant, providing a solid foundation for the narrative. A few observations point to characters that rely on singular traits, limiting depth. Overall, the acting elevates the film despite occasional simplicity in character development.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Regarding story and flow, the film opts for a slice‑of‑life structure that prioritizes atmosphere over conventional plot progression. Reviewers appreciate its gentle pacing and breadth of narrative ground, yet many cite a lack of memorable payoff and occasional meandering. The originality of its premise is acknowledged, but the overall coherence feels subdued. Consequently, the storytelling is engaging for some viewers but may feel under‑developed for others.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In the sensory domain, the soundtrack’s vintage Europop selections receive consistent praise for enhancing mood and recall. Visual elements such as the melancholic Parisian frames and symbolic lighting reinforce thematic concerns. Critics describe the audiovisual experience as beguiling and cohesive, supporting the film’s contemplative rhythm. The sensory composition thus stands out as a highlight that enriches the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    The rewatch factor reflects a moderate appeal; the film’s soothing rhythm and evocative soundtrack invite repeat viewings for those seeking a calm, reflective experience. Nonetheless, the subdued narrative drive and limited plot twists may reduce its repeatability for viewers desiring stronger story momentum. Overall, it offers lasting charm for a niche audience while lacking broad replay enthusiasm.

Box office

The Passengers of the Night Box Office & Budget

The Passengers of the Night grossed $1.7 million worldwide on a $4.4 million budget, 39% of what it cost.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.7M

39% of its budget back

International
$1.7M
Budget
$4.4M
Awards

The Passengers of the Night Awards & Nominations

The Passengers of the Night was nominated for 2 Oscars.

2 nominations1 ceremony

  • Academy Awards (Oscars) logo
    Oscars 2017 2 nominations
    • Nominated Music (Original Score)
    • Nominated Production Design
Videos

The Passengers of the Night Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 2 featurettes.

Official Trailer
  • Clip Clip
  • Featurette Berlinale Press Conference Highlights
  • Featurette Berlinale Red Carpet Highlights
Details

The Passengers of the Night Also Known As

20 alternative titles, including “Nakts pasažieri” and “午前4時にパリの夜は明ける”.

Also known as
  • Nakts pasažieri
  • 午前4時にパリの夜は明ける
  • Noites de Paris
  • 더 패신저스 오브 더 나이트
  • Los pasajeros de la noche
  • 巴黎夜旅人
  • Noite de Paris
  • Pasagerii nopții
  • Пассажиры ночи
  • Éjszakai átutazók
  • Νυχτερινοί Επισκέπτες
  • Passagiere der Nacht
+8 more
  • Pasażerowie nocy
  • Els passatgers de la nit
  • 就在今夜
  • Passagerare i natten
  • Passeggeri della notte
  • 巴黎夜旅人間
  • ציפורי הלילה
  • Пасажири ночі

Seen The Passengers of the Night?

FAQ

The Passengers of the Night FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Passengers of the Night, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Passengers of the Night?

The Passengers of the Night runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).

When was The Passengers of the Night released?

The Passengers of the Night was released on June 30, 2023.

Who directed The Passengers of the Night?

The Passengers of the Night was directed by Mikhaël Hers.

More films by Mikhaël Hers

Who is in the cast of The Passengers of the Night?

The Passengers of the Night stars Charlotte Gainsbourg as Elisabeth Davies, Noée Abita as Talulah and Emmanuelle Béart as Vanda Dorval, among 12 credited actors.

How much did The Passengers of the Night make at the box office?

The Passengers of the Night grossed $1.7 million worldwide on a budget of $4.4 million.

How is The Passengers of the Night rated?

The Passengers of the Night has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.

Was The Passengers of the Night nominated for any awards?

The Passengers of the Night received 2 nominations across 1 ceremony.

Does The Passengers of the Night have a post-credit scene?

No. The Passengers of the Night has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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