A Room For The Night 1996
In the waning days of the 1970s, a quiet corner of northern France sets the stage for a fleeting yet memorable encounter. Frédéric, a man in his forties, offers a lift to Marlene, a young hitchhiker stranded by the roadside.
Director: Philippe Elhem
Cast

Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Room For The Night (1996) about?
Set in late 1970s France, the film follows Frédéric, a 40-year-old man who gives a lift to Marlene, a young hitchhiker. Their spontaneous decision to share a night at an inn becomes the backdrop for an understated connection that feels both tender and transitory.
Who directed A Room For The Night?
Philippe Elhem directed this short romance, bringing a subtle, atmospheric touch to the story of two strangers finding fleeting companionship.
Who stars in A Room For The Night?
Béatrice Berger stars as Marlene, with Xavier Christiaens as Frédéric, supported by Michel Clair, John Dobrynine, and Carmela Locantore.
Is A Room For The Night (1996) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, its concise runtime and intimate storytelling make it a compelling watch for fans of short, atmospheric romances. The film's restrained charm and nostalgic tone offer a quiet but rewarding experience.
How long is A Room For The Night?
The film runs for 18 minutes, perfect for a concise yet immersive viewing experience.
About A Room For The Night (1996) — A fleeting 1970s romance captured in a short film
In the waning days of the 1970s, a quiet corner of northern France sets the stage for a fleeting yet memorable encounter. Frédéric, a man in his forties, offers a lift to Marlene, a young hitchhiker stranded by the roadside. Their decision to share a single night at a remote inn sparks a bittersweet connection beneath the glow of neon signs and the hum of forgotten jukeboxes. Philippe Elhem's *A Room For The Night (1996)* crafts a delicate romance steeped in nostalgia, where the magic lies not in grand gestures but in the unspoken understanding between two strangers drawn together by fate.
This short film unfolds like a snapshot of a moment—intimate, understated, and rich with emotional subtext. With its evocative atmosphere and restrained performances, the movie explores themes of loneliness, chance, and the fragile bonds formed in passing. Béatrice Berger and Xavier Christiaens breathe life into Marlene and Frédéric, their chemistry rooted in quiet realism rather than dramatic flourish. A melancholic love story for an era on the cusp of change, *A Room For The Night* lingers like a half-remembered dream.